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ABSTRACT
Background. The quality of life of the elderly can be compromised by several chronic diseases. This has a considerable impact on their physical and mental capacities. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of the elderly at the Yaoundé Central Hospital. Methods. We carried out a cross-sectional study of elderly patients who consulted at the Yaounde Central Hospital forfive months. Sociodemographic characteristics were taken, and we also took data concerning their chronic conditions and depressive symptoms. The presence of any cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Mini-mental state Examination (MMSE). Their functional capacity was assessed with the six-minute walk test. Quality of life was evaluated using the older people’s quality of life questionnaire (OPQOL). The multivariate analysis was done on the logistic regression model, and the p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. 66 participants were included (35 women) with a median age of 70 (IQR: 67 - 75) years. About 87.8% had at least one chronic condition, and 47% had two or more. The most prevalent chronic condition was hypertension (71.2%), followed by abdominal obesity (40.9%) and heart failure (24.2%). Mild depressive symptoms were present in 1.5% of our study population. Fourteen participants (21.2%) had a poor quality of life. The factors associated with a poor quality of life was a distance covered in the 6 MWT less than 350 m (OR: 3.7, p < 0.05). Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of poor quality of life among elderly patients consulting at the Yaoundé Central Hospital. A distance covered in the 6MWT less than 350m is associated with poor quality of life.
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. La qualité de vie des personnes âgées peut être compromise par la survenue de plusieurs pathologies chroniques. Cela a un impact considérable sur leurs capacités physiques mais aussi sur leurs capacités mentales. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer la qualité de vie des personnes âgées suivies à l'Hôpital Central de Yaoundé. Méthodologie. Nous avons réalisé une étude transversale analytique sur des patients âgés ayant consulté à l'hôpital central de Yaoundé pendant une période de cinq mois. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques ont été prises, ainsi que leurs différentes comorbidités. La présence d’un déficit cognitif a été évaluée à l'aide du Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Leur capacité fonctionnelle a été évaluée à l'aide du test de marche de six minutes. La qualité de vie a été évaluée à l'aide du score OPQOL.. L'analyse multivariée a été effectuée sur le modèle de régression logistique et les valeurs de p < 0,05 ont été considérées comme statistiquement significatives. Résultats. 66 participants ont été inclus (35 femmes) avec un âge médian de 70 (IQR : 67 - 75) ans. Parmi eux, environ 87,8 % avaient au moins une maladie chronique et 47 % en avaient deux ou plus. L'affection chronique la plus répandue était l'hypertension artérielle (71,2 %), suivie de l'insuffisance cardiaque (24,2 %) et de l'arthrose (12,1 %). Des symptômes dépressifs légers étaient présents chez 1,5 % de la population de notre étude. 14 participants (21,2 %) avaient une mauvaise qualité de vie. Les facteurs associés à une mauvaise qualité de vie étaient une distance parcourue dans le 6MWT inférieure à 350m (OR : 3,7, p < 0,05). Conclusion. Il existe une forte prévalence de la mauvaise qualité de vie chez ce groupe de patients âgés camerounais dont le facteur associé retrouvéest une distance parcourue durant le 6MWT inférieure à 350m. Ceci confirme le bénéfice de l’activité physique sur le plan physique et mental, indispensable pour une meilleure qualité de vie.


 

Keywords

quality of life, elderly, physical activity, Cameroon

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Ndobo-Koe Valérie, Kemnang Yemele Honoré, Ebode-Ntsama Marie Josiane, Nganou-Gnindjio Chris Nadège, Biatu Nestor, Ba Hamadou, Menanga Alain, & Kingué Samuel. (2022). Quality of Life of a Group of Cameroonian Patients Aged over 65 Years in an Urban Setting: a Cross-Sectional Study. HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASE, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.5281/hsd.v24i1.4123
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