ASSESSMENT OF THE DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL HEALTH QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE AGED WITH DISABILITY IN SELECTED DISTRICTS IN GHANA

Abstract

There is increasing proportion of the aged population in Ghana who are affected by physical and visual disabilities. Therefore, this study assessed the determinants of physical health Quality of Life (QOL) of the aged with disability in selected Districts in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model was adapted to guide the study. The study used a census survey and questionnaires to collect data from 810 respondents. Those who were aged 60-69 years had the highest physical health QOL mean score and lowest for those aged 80 years and older. Physical health QOL mean score was highest for those who were married and lowest among those who were separated / divorced. Aged with physical disability scored higher in physical health QOL as compared to those with visual disability. It was observed that age, marital status and type of disability of the aged with disability determined their physical health QOL