Predictors of quality of life among hospitalized older adults: a hierarchical regression analysis using the Greek WHOQOL-AGE

Introduction. Quality of life (QoL) in older age is influenced by sociodemographic factors, the identification of which is important for targeted public health interventions. The aim of the present study was to examine predictors of health-related QoL among hospitalized Greek older adults using the recently validated Greek version of the WHOQOL-AGE.

Methods. The study sample comprised 250 older adults recruited from a secondary hospital in Greece (M age = 77.58 years, SD = 7.04, range 64–89; 63.6% women; 72.4% with primary education; 35.2% living alone). Hierarchical multiple regression was performed for each WHOQOL-AGE score: Factor 1, Factor 2, and Total score. Sex and age were entered at Step 1, educational level and occupational type at Step 2, and living arrangement and number of children at Step 3. Model improvement was assessed using ΔR² and F-change tests. Multicollinearity and residual assumptions were also examined.

Results. The final model explained a substantial proportion of QoL variance: Total score R² = .595, adjusted R² = .585; Factor 1 R² = .511; Factor 2 R² = .432. All steps contributed significantly (all p < .001). Age was the strongest negative predictor of total QoL (β = −.38, p < .001), while educational level was the strongest positive predictor (β = +.31, p < .001). Occupational type (β = +.14, p = .019), cohabiting versus living alone (β = +.22, p < .001), and number of children (β = +.15, p < .001) also contributed significantly. Sex was not statistically significant. Living arrangement and number of children were more strongly associated with Factor 2 than Factor 1. No problematic multicollinearity was detected.

Conclusions. Age and educational level were the main determinants of QoL among older adults assessed in a Greek secondary hospital, while living arrangement, occupational background, and family structure provided additional explanatory value.