Health-Related Perceptions of Older Adults/Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Diseases (ODLs) are associated with their Quality of Life: a Mixed-Methods Study

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the quality of life of older adults/patients with degenerative lumbar diseases (ODLs) and analyse its association with some of their health-related perceptions. Materials and Methods: This mixed-methods study consisted of a questionnaire survey and an in-depth interview, which was designed within this study. ODLs were recruited from January 12, 2017 to June 27, 2018. The independent sample t -test and grounded theory coding method were employed for data analysis. Results: Of the 125 participants who returned valid questionnaires, 18 were included in the in-depth interviews. ODLs’ quality of life was associated with the following health-related perceptions: “life barriers”, “subjective health status”, and “treatment outcomes” across the domains of physiology, psychology, social relations, and environment. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ODLs’ quality of life is associated with their health-related perceptions. Thus, to improve older adults’ quality of life, more attention should be paid to enhancing non-medical factors such as their health-related perceptions.