Morbidities and life quality of elderly males in rural and urban areas

Resumo

Current analysis compares the number of morbidities and the quality of life (QoL) of elderly males in urban and rural areas. The comparative, transversal and observational survey harvested data from the semi-structured instruments WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD. Descriptive analysis, chi-square and Student's t test (α < 0.05) were employed. The average number of co-morbidities in urban areas was significantly higher than that in the rural one. The elderly in rural areas have significantly higher QoL scores in physical, psychological, social relationships and environment and in stances such as autonomy, past, present and future activities, social participation and intimacy. In urban areas, scores were higher in sensory abilities. Current study highlights the need for health strategies to improve the QoL of the elderly in urban areas. Actions are required in rural areas to assess the functioning of the senses for early corrective measures.