[Subjective theories on quality of life and health in old age : An explorative study with nursing home residents and their nursing personnel].

BACKGROUND: The terms "quality of life" and "health" are often used interchangeably even though there are indications to suggest that they are distinct constructs. Nevertheless, studies which would help to understand the difference between these constructs on the level of subjective theories of nursing home residents are lacking. Because nursing personnel can essentially contribute to the quality of life of residents, the comparison of subjective theories from residents and from nursing personnel can help to detect and understand potential discrepancies.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 pairs of residents and their nursing personnel. Based on the approach of Fliege and Filipp (2000) one half of the respondents answered the questions using the term "quality of life" and the other half using the term "health". In addition, quality of life and health had to be rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS), whereby residents rated themselves and nurses rated the corresponding resident. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis in a team-based approach. Following a mixed methods approach the deductively developed main categories and the inductively developed subcategories were quantified and statistically analyzed together with the VAS ratings. RESULTS AND
CONCLUSION: Quality of life was more strongly associated with psychological, social and environmental aspects, whereas health more strongly evoked thoughts on physical functioning. This effect was stronger in nursing personnel, which can be explained by their role concept. In future scientific studies the terms should be used accurately, as they elicit different associations. The term "quality of life" seems to be more suitable to adequately reflect the adaptability of elderly people.