Evaluation of Quality of Life in Elderly Individuals With Chronic Diseases Within Health Empowerment Theory

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate quality of life in elderly individuals with chronic diseases through the lens of Health Empowerment Theory, focusing on how health literacy and social support influence health empowerment and quality of life. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. SAMPLE: Participants were required to have no communication problems, and all participants provided informed consent prior to participation. The sample size was determined to ensure adequate statistical power, resulting in a final cohort of 265 elderly individuals. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected through structured interviews using a Personal Information Form, the Health Literacy Scale (HLS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Elders Health Empowerment Scale (EHES), and the Older People's Quality of Life questionnaire (OPQOL-brief). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized for analysis. RESULTS: Quality of life showed a moderate correlation with health literacy and health empowerment and a weak correlation with social support. Health empowerment demonstrated a moderate correlation with health literacy and a weak correlation with social support. SEM indicated a good fit of the proposed model. Health literacy and social support were significantly associated with health empowerment. Both health empowerment and health literacy were positively associated with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the critical role of health literacy and social support in enhancing health empowerment and, consequently, improving the quality of life of elderly individuals with chronic physical illnesses. Public health nurses should play a key role in planning and implementing education and counselling programs to support the life of this elderly population.