Quality of life, social support, depression among the elderly

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between quality of life, social support and depression among the elderly located in Matugga. The study targeted 150 respondents using the Krejei and Morgan (1990) sample size table, 72 males and 78 females aged 51-90 years of age and used a quantitative correlation study design which was adopted to establish the association between variables. An interview schedule was used to collect data from the 150 respondents. Collected data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences to test the hypotheses. Pearson Chi square test was used to test the hypotheses. Results showed that there is a significant association between depression and quality of life x (1,150) = [22.819], p= [0.000]. Social support and Quality of life are also significantly related; x (2,150) = [6.437], p= [0.040] the results also revealed that depression and social support is significantly related x (2,150) = [1.314], p= [0.519]. These results were found using Purposive or Selective Sampling Technique to select respondents to produce a sample that could be logically assumed to be representative of a population. Instruments of WHO Quality of Life Scale-Brief (WHOQOL-Brief), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MPSS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) where used to collect proper and valid data about quality of life, social support and depression among the elderly. In conclusion, quality of life, social support and depression were significantly related among the elderly.