Investigating The Effects of Poverty on Health and Quality of Life in Poor People Aged 65 and Over in Etimesgut District, Ankara

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of poverty on health and quality of life of poor people aged 65 and over in Etimesgut District, Ankara.

Materials and Method: A questionnaire was administered to 116 people over the age of 65 who were deemed a priority group for assistance by the Etimesgut Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation in Ankara. The questionnaire comprised questions related to socio-demographic characteristics, health status and health care utilization of elderly people, along with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module. Research data were evaluated using the Chi-Square Test, Independent Samples T Test, One-Way Analysis of Variance, Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test.

Results: The average monthly income of the elderly participants was 168.94 +/- 54.67 Turkish liras and they lived completely under the poverty line determined for Turkey. However, it was found that women, illiterate participants and those receiving the old age pension were poorer, and of those whose income was below average, more delayed/did not seek help when they were ill. Statistical analysis revealed that total quality of life scores of participants aged 65-74 and literate participants were higher; the "social participation" scores of participants whose income was below average and those received an old-age pension were lower.

Conclusion: Poverty has negative effects on the health status, health care utilization and quality of life of elderly people.