Table 2.
Age Differences in Quality of Life Among Patients
| Variable | Late Middle Age (1) M ( SD) | Young-old (2) M (SD) | Old-old (3) M (SD) | F | p | Post-hoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QOL (SF-12) a | ||||||
| Physical component | 43.05 (13.78) | 51.66 (5.2) | 39.06 (9.53) | 9.16 | .001 | 2>1,3 |
| Mental component | 49.15 (9.18) | 54.95 (5.56) | 50.23 (6.74) | 4.03 | .02 | 2>1 |
| Physical Symptoms b,* | 2.89 | .006 | ||||
| EPIC Urinary c | 73.77 (20.05) | 85.33 (12.95) | 76.36 (16.72) | 2.40 | .09 | N.S. |
| Epic Bowel c | 86.68 (10.25) | 87.11 (14.23) | 83.40 (9.68) | .36 | .70 | N.S. |
| EPIC Sexual c | 23.57 (26.17) | 36.41 (28.61) | 20.66 (17.95) | 2.40 | .09 | N.S |
| EPIC Hormonal c | 70.26 (21.05) | 86.77 (12.67) | 82.02 (13.10) | 7.40 | .001 | 1>2,3 |
| Psychosocial Variables b | 3.97 | .005 | ||||
| Concurrent concernsb | 17.96 (12.75) | 12.51 (12.89) | 21.95 (18.17) | 2.35 | .10 | N.S. |
| Self-efficacy c,** | 136.57 (25.05) | 154.92 (17.76) | 142.48(25.10) | 3.06 | .05 | 2>1 |
| Appraisal of Illness c,*** | 2.69 (1.02) | 1.87 (.67) | 2.84 (.89) | 8.38 | .001 | 1,3>2 |
a
ANOVA;
b
MANOVA
c
Post-hoc test
All analyses controlled for phase of illness and patient-spouse age discordance (younger vs. same age category)
*
higher scores = less bother and better function
**
higher scores= more positive results; more self-efficacy to manage the illness or treatment associated with it
***
higher scores = more negative results of the illness