Date of Award

12-16-2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Policy and Management

First Advisor

Dr. Tazeen Ali

Second Advisor

Dr. Rozina Farhad Mistry

Third Advisor

Ms. Nousheen Pradhan

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Both developed and developing regions have seen an increase in the older population, with Asia showing the highest rate of aging due to a recent epidemiological shift. The tradition of a joint family has changed in past years. Older adults have become less important, resulting in a loss of emotional, physiological, social, and psychological well-being, and end up in old age homes. Many studies suggested that due to a lack of social support and poor family relations, seniors feel isolated and depressed. In Pakistan, healthcare delivery is built on a fragile infrastructure that leads to neglect of the geriatric population. There is a dire need to explore the quality of health services at old age homes. Hence, this study explores the quality of services for the well-being of the elderly and determines the quality of life of older people at old age homes in Karachi.
Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive study design was used with a purposive sampling of participants including both male and female elderly residents aged 60 and above, caregivers, and administrators from three old age homes located at North Nazimabad Nizari Block -C in Karachi, Pakistan. The study was conducted between September and October 2022. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and key informant interviews by a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed later. The data were analyzed through a thematic analysis method to extract the themes and interpret the data. 8 to 12 elderly residents and 3 caregivers along with 1 administrator were recruited for the study who were living and working for at least 6 months.
Results: The quality of health care services and their effect on the well-being of the elderly were identified through thematic analysis. Two major themes were created, one is essential components of quality health services and the other is factors affecting the quality of life of the elderly. Through these themes, it was discovered that the quality of health services influences the well-being of elderlies through various factors. The results have mixed thoughts, as some residents of old age homes are pleased with the life in these homes and have a sense of satisfaction from the facilities available there. However, in terms of health care services, most of the participants show poor satisfaction. The study findings highlight the poor family ties, and social isolation due to lack of social support and opportunities of socializing impact the quality of life of elderlies at old age home.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that standardized quality services are needed for better outcomes of quality of life for elderlies at old age homes. Also, it proposed the need of specialized trainings of caregivers to provide age specific care to elderly residents. Lastly, the findings of this study may be used to improve healthcare policies and carry out efforts that will enhance and maintain the quality of life of seniors of our country.

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