Age-related height loss and health-related quality of life in a nationwide Korean survey

Abstract

Objective This study examined the association between self-reported height loss and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Korean adults older than 50 years. Methods Analyses were based on pooled cross-sectional data from 6,123 participants over 50 years of age in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2008 and 2011. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) instrument. Height loss was calculated as the difference between the recalled tallest height in participants' past and their currently measured height. Results The inverse association between height loss and HRQoL was dose-dependent and strongest for mobility and usual activity dimensions. Fully adjusted EQ-5D index scores were lower in the height-loss group than in the no height-loss group, and these trends were most notable among men or participants with co-morbid conditions. Conclusion Height loss is associated with poor HRQoL among Korean adults.