A Study on the Quality of Life and Influencing Factors of Elderly Participating in Long-term Care Insurance in Shanghai

Liu Xinya; Wang Pengfei; Jing Yurong; Wang Ying; Xie Hongbin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-568X.2024.05.0006

Abstract：OBJECTIVE In response to the challenges posed by an aging population,Shanghai municipality initiated the widespread implementation of long-term care insurance in 2018.The research aims to explore the quality of life among elderly participants in Shanghai's long-term care insurance program and analyze the factors influencing their well-being.METHODS The study employs a stratified random sampling method,selecting 1 871 participants from six pilot areas with long-term care insurance levels ranging from 2 to 6.The investigation encompasses demographic information,utilization of health services,and long-term care services.Single-factor and multiple linear regression analyses are conducted to identify factors affecting the quality of life.RESULTS The surveyed elderly participants in Shanghai's long-term care insurance program achieved a physical health score of 31.04±7.97 and a psychological health score of 41.24±9.55.Following multiple linear regression analysis,elderly participants in long-term care insurance who were identified as impoverished,enrolled in institutional long-term care insurance,and underwent secondary assessments exhibited better physical health-related quality of life.Additionally,those with lower monthly incomes,better daily life management abilities,and assessment levels below 6 in their most recent evaluation displayed superior psychological health-related quality of life.CONCLUSION The physical and mental health-related quality of life for elderly participants in Shanghai's long-term care insurance program is found to be lower than that of ordinary community-dwelling elderly individuals.The study recommends further enhancement of home-based long-term care insurance services,focusing on improving elderly individuals'self-care abilities,implementing cognitive function interventions,and increasing societal awareness and concern for those enrolled in long-term care insurance.