Work

Study on the association of unhealthy lifestyles on health-related quality of life in elderly hypertensive patients in rural areas of China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To examine the impact of unhealthy lifestyles on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly hypertensive patients in rural areas and to develop evidence-based intervention strategies aimed at improving their health outcomes and overall well-being. Methods Data from the “NCLM-Cohort_2023–2024 Database” were used, including 1105 elderly hypertensive patients residing in rural areas (n = 1105). General demographic information and data related to unhealthy lifestyles were collected. The EuroQol Five-Dimension Five-Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L) was used to assess HRQoL. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the effects of unhealthy lifestyles on HRQoL. Results The median EQ-5D-5L utility value among elderly rural hypertensive patients was 0.952 (0.894, 1.000). The median EQ-Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for HRQoL was 80.00 (70.00, 84.00). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the EQ-5D-5L utility value and EQ-VAS score were influenced by hypertension grade, sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep, and the number of days of moderate physical activity per week (P < 0.05). The frequency of animal oil consumption and daily sitting duration were significant factors influencing the EQ-5D-5L utility value (P < 0.05), while ethnicity, nocturnal or early morning awakenings, and the frequency of ultra-processed and fried food consumption were significant factors affecting the EQ-VAS score (P < 0.05). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that age and daily sitting duration were negatively correlated with the EQ-5D-5L utility value (P < 0.05). The number of days of moderate physical activity per week and monthly salt consumption (500 g/pack) were positively correlated with the EQ-5D-5L utility value (P < 0.05). Daily sitting duration was negatively correlated with the EQ-VAS score (P < 0.05), while weekly physical activity was positively correlated with the EQ-VAS score (P < 0.05). Age and monthly salt consumption were not significantly correlated with the EQ-VAS score (P > 0.05). Conclusions Effective management of hypertension grade, adequate sleep duration, improvement in sleep difficulties and nocturnal awakenings, and increased moderate physical activity per week can enhance HRQoL among elderly rural hypertensive patients. In contrast, frequent consumption of animal oil, ultra-processed foods, and fried foods, as well as prolonged sedentary behavior, negatively affect HRQoL in this population.

Source: Discover Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12982-026-02904-z