[Quality of life in noninstitutionalized persons older than 65 years in two health care districts in Madrid].

AIM To describe self-perceived health status and quality of life in noninstitutionalized persons older than 65 years in two health care districts in Madrid (central Spain). DESIGN Descriptive study based on home interviews by investigators trained in the administration of the questionnaires. SETTING Health care districts 2 and 4 in Madrid; community level. PARTICIPANTS Of a sample of 2002 persons older than 65 years residing in private homes, we obtained 911 valid questionnaires. MAIN MEASURES Description and stratification by age group and sex, for sociodemographic variables, economic resources, social and familial support, physical and mental health, functional capacity and results on the EuroQol and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaires. RESULTS Mean age, 74.7 years (95% CI, 74.3%75.1%); women, 59.7% (95% CI, 56.4%-62.9%); no formal education, 41% (95% CI, 37.7%-44.2%); social classes I and II, 38.3% (95% CI, 35.1%-41.6%). Self-perceived health status good or very good, 52.1% (95% CI, 48.8%-55.4%), 57.5% (95% CI, 52.2%-62.6%) in men and 48.4% (95% CI, 44.2%-52.7%) in women. Mean scores on the NHP were: energy, 21.1 (95% CI, 18.9%23.2%); pain, 25.6 (95% CI, 23.6%27.6%); physical mobility, 28 (95% CI, 26.4%29.7%); sleep, 31.8 (95% CI, 29.4%34.1%); emotional reaction, 24.5 (95% CI, 22.8%26.3%); social isolation, 10.9 (95% CI, 9.6%12.1%). The percentages of persons with problems according to the EuroQol instrument were: mobility, 21.3% (95% CI, 18.7%-24.1%); self-care, 7.7% (95% CI, 6.1%-9.7%); usual activities, 19.9% (95% CI, 17.4%-22.7%); pain/discomfort, 38.2% (95% CI, 35%-41.4%); anxiety/depression, 27% (95% CI, 24.1%-30%). Both the NHP and the EuroQol instrument identified more problems in women than in men, and in persons older than 80 years compared to persons younger than 80 years. CONCLUSIONS Women had a worse perceived health status and quality of life than men. Persons older than 80 years scored worse on the NHP and the EuroQol, but did not perceive their health status to be worse.