Effect of the Physical Environment on the Health-related Quality of Life of the Low-income Korean Elderly Population

Background: The increasing number of elderly citizens due to changes in the social structure is of national in-terest. This study aimed to provide basic data for devising policies to promote the quality of life of elderly Na-tional Basic Livelihood Security System (NBLSS) beneficiaries in South Korea by identifying the effects of their general characteristics and physical environment on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: Using the 2013 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) raw data, we analyzed 3537 NBLSS ben-eficiaries aged 65 yr and older. HRQoL was measured using the Euro QoL five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to predict the EQ-5D scores. Results: The explanatory power for HRQoL increased to 21.4% when the general characteristics and physical environment were included. HRQoL showed statistically significant differences in the environmental variable, level of safety (P=0.001), natural environment (P=0.001), living environment (P=0.001), traffic condition (P<0.001), and access to health services (P<0.001). Physical environment positively correlated with HRQoL(r=.119, P<0.001), thus confirming its influence (ß=.092, P<0.001). Conclusion: We should strive to manage the physical environment to improve the quality of life of elderly NBLSS beneficiaries.