ABSTRACT

Objective : The main purpose of this study was to analyze the structural relationship among factors that have an impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in three groups: A stroke patient group (Exp 1), high-risk stroke patient group (Exp 2), and a normal control group. Methods : For this survey, we conducted a secondary analysis using ‘the fifth Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2010-2011)’, and investigated 2,293 elderly people over 65 years in age. Results : The results were as follows: HRQOL had a significant difference among groups (control>Exp2>Exp1) (p<.05). In the total effect of the experimental 1 groups, their HRQOL was significantly affected by their mental health (β=.425), self-rated health (β=.391), and medical health (β=.290)(p<.05). In the total effect of the experimental 2 group, their HRQOL was significantly by their self-rated health (β=.425), medical health (β =.272), mental health (β=.249), and functional health (β=.234) (p<.05). In the total effect of the control group, their HRQOL was significantly affected by their self-rated health (β=.398) and mental health (β=.184)(p<.05). Conclusion : In conclusion, this study suggested two matters to improve the HRQOL in people with or without a stroke. First, to improve the HRQOL in people suffering from senility, a different approach is needed according to whether the person has had or not had a stoke. Particularly in stroke patients, we should treat both their physical disability and mental health. Second, regardless of whether they have had a stroke, their HRQOL is influenced strongly by their self-rated level of health, and therefore an improvement of HRQOL will be induced by promoting positive health behaviors.