Dignity and quality of life in frail older adults with cardiovascular disease: a pilot study

Background: Frailty is associated with the outcome of the cardiovascular disease. Dignity is also a concern. Studies on self-feeling of being respected and its influence on the quality of life are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the dignity level of frail older adults with cardiovascular disease and the association between quality of life (QoL) and dignity. Methods: This crosssectional study used three structured questionnaires: the Kihon checklist-Chinese for frailty, the Patient Dignity Inventory for dignity, and the EuroQol five dimension for QoL. Results: 46 frail older adults with cardiovascular disease (mean age, 71.82 years) were included. The mean Kihon checklist score was 5.74; the mean Patient Dignity Inventory score was 38.57 (good dignity feeling); and the EuroQol five dimension score was 13.24 (good QoL). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that older age and lower dignity had 85% of prediction on QoL. Conclusion: Low dignity can reduce QoL among frail older adults with cardiovascular disease. It is important to evaluate and understand patients' dignity. Interventions to improve dignity may also improve QoL.