Central features in health-related quality of life in older adults: network analysis using nationwide survey data

Population ageing is a global phenomenon that necessitates consideration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults. Previous studies have investigated related factors including mobility, social support and living situations.

This study aimed to provide a network perspective on factors related to HRQoL.

Cross-sectional nationwide data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2018 to 2020 for network analyses. Data for participants aged 65 years or above were analysed, resulting in a total of 4317 eligible cases. The variables included were EQ-5D (a measure of HRQoL), household income, education, living situation, subjective perceived health, Charlson Comorbidity Index (a measure of medical comorbidities), stress, exercise per week, alcohol consumption and smoking. Three networks were produced: (a) EQ-5D dimensions network, (2) EQ-5D dimensions, lifestyle and psychosocial factors network, and (3) overall EQ-5D index, lifestyle and psychosocial factors network. Node centralities, bridge centralities and edges of the networks were examined.

The most central EQ-5D dimension was the ability to carry out usual activities. In the second network, subjective health, stress and anxiety/depression were revealed as nodes with high bridge centralities. Subjective health, exercise, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were nodes closely linked to the overall EQ-5D index.

The results emphasise the importance of enhancing functional independence and subjective health cognition, increasing routine exercise and reducing stress as targets for interventions to improve HRQoL in older adults.