Dignity and Health Related Quality of Life of Adult Residents of Yerevan

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study aims to assess the influence of dignity on the health status of adults aged 25 and over in Yerevan; and to determine whether differences exist between the data gathered from refugee and non-refugee respondents. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was conducted to collect the data. The study participants were adults living in Yerevan, 91 with refugee and 91 with citizen status. The desired number of participants in refugee group was identified using systematic random sampling proportionate to the number of refugees in each dormitory. Citizens were chosen by systematic random sampling, number of citizens from each district equal to the number of refugees from same district. “The next birthday” technique was used to determine who should be interviewed in the household. Face to face interviews were conducted, with an average duration of 15-20 minutes. Data was collected between July and August 2007. The dependent variable - health status was measured by SF-36. The two independent variables are participant’s refugee status and human dignity, assessed by a questionnaire on dignity. Results: A statistically significant association was observed between Physical Component Summary (PCS) and dignity level taking two groups together OR=1.07 (95% CI: 1.03 - 1.1); and separately: citizens group OR=1.09 (95% CI: 1.02–1.14); refugees group OR=1.08 (95% CI: 1.02 – 1.16). There is a statistically significant association between Mental Component Summary (MCS) and dignity level for each group: citizens group OR=1.12 (95% CI:1.04–1.2); refugees group OR = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05-1.21); and for both groups together OR=1.09 (95% CI: 1.05-1.13). This association between health state and dignity is stronger among refugees compared to citizens of Yerevan. The association between PCS and dignity: in refugees group OR = 4.3 (P-value=0.01); in citizens group OR = 6.91 (Pvalue=0.001). The association of MCS and dignity level, in refugees group OR=13 (Pvalue=0.000); and in citizens group OR=6.5 (P-value=0.004) respectively. In terms of demographic characteristics, PCS score was associated with dignity score, age, and working status. MCS score was associated with dignity and age. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal a positive relationship between dignity and health state (physical and mental). Refugee status made this relationship between dignity and health status stronger. The results of this study will be helpful for further investigations in the field of Public Health and will lead to improvements of health levels in any population. It is recommended to conduct similar studies with citizens and refugees in other regions of Armenia in order to identify potential differences between people living in dormitories and in separate households; and population of urban and rural areas.