Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.

This study explored the patterns of comorbidities and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly individuals living in rural communities in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted across four communes in Thai Binh province. The demographic characteristics and comorbi...

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Main Authors: Hai Minh Vu, Hao Thi Tang, Vu Minh Hai B, Cuong Duy Nguyen, My Ha Nguyen, Hanh Thi Kieu Le, Dat Cong Truong, Hien Xuan Luong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321267
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author Hai Minh Vu
Hao Thi Tang
Vu Minh Hai B
Cuong Duy Nguyen
My Ha Nguyen
Hanh Thi Kieu Le
Dat Cong Truong
Hien Xuan Luong
author_facet Hai Minh Vu
Hao Thi Tang
Vu Minh Hai B
Cuong Duy Nguyen
My Ha Nguyen
Hanh Thi Kieu Le
Dat Cong Truong
Hien Xuan Luong
author_sort Hai Minh Vu
collection DOAJ
description This study explored the patterns of comorbidities and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly individuals living in rural communities in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted across four communes in Thai Binh province. The demographic characteristics and comorbidities of the participants were evaluated, along with their Euroqol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L), using a structured questionnaire supplemented by clinical examinations. A multivariate Tobit regression model was applied to assess the relationship between comorbidities and HRQoL. Results showed that a minority of participants (9.5%) were free of comorbidities. Cataracts were the most common condition (61.0%), followed by osteoarthritis (55.4%), rheumatoid arthritis (46.1%), and dementia (39.0%). The average EQ-5D index was 0.806 (SD =  0.184). Pain/discomfort, difficulties with usual activities, and anxiety/depression contributed most to the reduction in the EQ-5D-5L index. Participants with rheumatoid arthritis (β =  - 0.10; 95% CI =  - 0.13, - 0.07) and postural hypotension (β =  - 0.08; 95% CI =  - 0.14, - 0.02) experienced the greatest decrease in EQ-5D index, followed by those with urinary diseases (β =  - 0.05; 95% CI =  - 0.09, - 0.02) and stroke (β =  - 0.05; 95% CI =  - 0.09, - 0.01). This study highlights the high prevalence of comorbidities among the elderly in rural Vietnam, with arthritis, postural hypotension, urinary diseases, and stroke being most strongly associated with reduced HRQoL. Regular screening and monitoring of comorbidities are vital to identify individuals who would benefit most from healthcare interventions to enhance HRQoL.
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spelling doaj-art-64991c1e1d1d435b8553a166ff249e672025-08-20T03:17:44ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032025-01-01204e032126710.1371/journal.pone.0321267Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.Hai Minh VuHao Thi TangVu Minh Hai BCuong Duy NguyenMy Ha NguyenHanh Thi Kieu LeDat Cong TruongHien Xuan LuongThis study explored the patterns of comorbidities and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly individuals living in rural communities in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted across four communes in Thai Binh province. The demographic characteristics and comorbidities of the participants were evaluated, along with their Euroqol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L), using a structured questionnaire supplemented by clinical examinations. A multivariate Tobit regression model was applied to assess the relationship between comorbidities and HRQoL. Results showed that a minority of participants (9.5%) were free of comorbidities. Cataracts were the most common condition (61.0%), followed by osteoarthritis (55.4%), rheumatoid arthritis (46.1%), and dementia (39.0%). The average EQ-5D index was 0.806 (SD =  0.184). Pain/discomfort, difficulties with usual activities, and anxiety/depression contributed most to the reduction in the EQ-5D-5L index. Participants with rheumatoid arthritis (β =  - 0.10; 95% CI =  - 0.13, - 0.07) and postural hypotension (β =  - 0.08; 95% CI =  - 0.14, - 0.02) experienced the greatest decrease in EQ-5D index, followed by those with urinary diseases (β =  - 0.05; 95% CI =  - 0.09, - 0.02) and stroke (β =  - 0.05; 95% CI =  - 0.09, - 0.01). This study highlights the high prevalence of comorbidities among the elderly in rural Vietnam, with arthritis, postural hypotension, urinary diseases, and stroke being most strongly associated with reduced HRQoL. Regular screening and monitoring of comorbidities are vital to identify individuals who would benefit most from healthcare interventions to enhance HRQoL.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321267
spellingShingle Hai Minh Vu
Hao Thi Tang
Vu Minh Hai B
Cuong Duy Nguyen
My Ha Nguyen
Hanh Thi Kieu Le
Dat Cong Truong
Hien Xuan Luong
Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.
PLoS ONE
title Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.
title_full Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.
title_fullStr Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.
title_full_unstemmed Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.
title_short Comorbidities and health-related quality of life among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam.
title_sort comorbidities and health related quality of life among rural older community dwellers in vietnam
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321267
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