Comparing the Role of Some Social Factors Affecting Health in Predicting the Lifestyle of the Elderly in Iran and Iraq

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 MSc in Geriatric Care Nursing, al-Najaf al-Ashraf directorate higher health institute, al-Najaf-al-Ashraf, Iraq

3 Instructor, Department of Operating Room, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle is an individual issue and is influenced by social processes. The present study aimed to compare how some social factors affect the health of the elderly and predict their lifestyle in Iran and Iraq.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 elderly individuals aged 60 years and older referred to health centers in Iraq and Iran in 2022. Participants were randomly selected using a cluster sampling method. Data was collected using the demographic profile form, the healthy lifestyle questionnaire, and the questionnaire for social factors affecting health. Descriptive and analytical statistical tests (T-test, ANOVA, and Regression) were employed for data analysis.
Findings: The findings showed that Iraqi elderly individuals generally exhibited higher levels of active social participation, life satisfaction, access to health centers, and environmental adaptation. However, in other variables such as hope for the future, telephone communication and face-to-face meetings with people around them, or the number of medical visits, Iranian elderly participants were in better condition. Regression analysis revealed that the active social participation variable had the most significant impact on lifestyle changes for elderly individuals in both countries.
Conclusion: To enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals in Iran and Iraq, decisions and policies should prioritize active social participation, increased life satisfaction, and effective adaptation to environmental factors.

Highlights

Mahmoud Bakhshi: Google Scholar, PubMed

Akram Ghanbari-Moghaddam: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 42, Issue 774
2nd Week, September
September and October 2024
Pages 591-598

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 June 2023
  • Accept Date: 02 October 2024

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