Socio-Demographic Determinants of Quality of Life among Older People, a Population-Based Study

Introduction: Social participation is considered one dimension and also determinant of quality of life. The level of social participation of the elderly is influenced by various components such as socio-economic and demographic factors. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between social participation, quality of life, and some socio-economic factors in community dwelling elderly in Kerman, Iran.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 communities dwelling old people in Kerman in 2017 selected through random sampling. The data were collected using researcher-made Social Participation questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression analysis.   Results: The results revealed the participants’ mean score of social participation was above fifty. Social participation was significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.004), education level (p < 0.001), and occupation (p = 0.021). A significant direct correlation was also observed between social participation and quality of life (p < 0.001), and social participation determined 21 % of variance of life quality score (p < 0.001).   Conclusion: With the increase in social participation of the elderly, their quality of life improves. Establishing nongovernmental organizations, charities, and associations for retirement and aging can increase the level of social participation of the elderly.