Gender differences in quality of life and contributions of biopsychosocial factors

Health-related quality of life is central to healthy ageing, yet gender differences among older adults and their underlying determinants are not well understood. We examined gender differences in quality of life in a large cohort of older Australians and the extent to which biopsychosocial factors mediate these differences.

We analysed baseline cross-sectional data from the Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly trial, a randomised controlled trial of community-dwelling Australians aged ≥70 years without cardiovascular disease, major physical disability, or dementia. Quality of life was measured across eight domains of the 36-Item Short Form and summarised using the SF-6D index. Gender differences were examined using age-adjusted linear regression, with mediation assessed by the percentage reduction in the association between gender and quality of life after adjusting for individual biopsychosocial factors.

Among 9971 participants (52% women; mean age 74.7 ± 4.5 years), women scored lower than men in Physical Functioning, Vitality, Mental Health, and Bodily Pain (all p < 0.001), but higher in General Health (p < 0.001). The SF-6D index was lower in women (mean difference - 0.03, p < 0.001). Pain severity, depressive symptoms, and histories of osteoarthritis and depression mediated the greatest amount of the gender difference in scores (between 42% and 92%).

Older women reported better general health but poorer quality of life than men in most domains. These gender differences were largely attributable to pain and depressive symptoms, both of which are common and modifiable. Targeted management of these symptoms may improve quality of life and reduce gender disparities in later life.