Dissatisfaction with life and associated factors in older community-dwelling adults

Abstract

Objective:

To analyze the prevalence of dissatisfaction with life and associated sociodemographic factors.

Method:

A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out. Data collection was performed using the Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS) questionnaire. A total of 573 older adults from the urban area were interviewed, selected through cluster sampling, stratified by sex. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square and prevalence ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). For multivariate analysis, the Poisson Robust regression model was applied. Variables were entered into the model using the backward method.

Results:

The prevalence of dissatisfaction with life was 15.53%. Dissatisfaction with life was associated with women (PR=1.54; 95% CI: 1.02; 2.32), being illiterate (PR=2.57; 95% CI: 1.44; 4.60), having up to four years of schooling (PR=1.79; 95% CI: 1.01; 318) and having an income of less than two minimum wages (PR=3.29; 95% CI: 1.29; 8.42). In the multivariate analysis, being female (PR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.01; 2.25), being illiterate (PR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.42; 4.54) and having up to four years of schooling (PR=1.77; 95% CI: 0.99; 3.14) remained associated with dissatisfaction with life

Conclusion:

the prevalence of dissatisfaction is low. Dissatisfaction with life was associated with sex, education and income, in a bivariate manner. Sex and education were predictors of dissatisfaction with life. These findings reinforce the need for actions to promote social equality between men and women and to facilitate the access of older adults to education.

Keywords:
Health of the Elderly; Personal Satisfaction; Health Promotion