Predictors of health-related quality of life in older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems

Objective: With longer life expectancies, cardiovascular diseases are increasingly common among older adults, which also leads to functional changes that severely impact their quality of life. This study aimed to identify the predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems. Methods: A cross-sectional data analysis of the 2015/16 New Zealand Health Survey was performed. In total, 2203 older New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems were identified and included in the final analyses. The association between demographics, physical activity, health measurements, and HRQOL was examined using a multiple linear regression model. Results: Significant differences in HRQOL were identified between the demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Predictors of higher HRQOL among older New Zealanders with cardiovascular conditions were increased physical activity (β = 0.218), age (β = −0.067), employed (β = 0.137), lower waist circumference (β = −0.261), male (β = 0.127), and being without a history of diabetes (β = −0.071). Conclusion: Physical activity is the strongest predictor of HRQOL in older adults with cardiovascular problems. Older female New Zealanders with cardiovascular health problems have lower perceptions of their health status. These predictors should be considered while designing and developing intervention and health education that aims to improve the HRQOL of older adults.