Quality of life and associated factors among elderly people in Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2024 among 360 older adults (≥ 60 years) in four communes of Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province, with the objective of assessing the quality of life (QoL) and its associated factors. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through direct face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire incorporating the validated Vietnamese version of the SF-36 instrument to assess QoL. QoL was measured with the Vietnamese version of the SF-36, and dichotomized at a cutoff score of 50 into “good” and “poor.”. Descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were used to describe associations, and multiple logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of QoL. The mean overall QoL score was 64.35 ± 17.51. Most participants (77.5%) reported good QoL. Male respondents scored higher across all SF-36 domains compared to females. Multiple analysis revealed that participants aged 60–69 years (OR = 3.92; 95% CI: 2.10–7.33), those married and living with a spouse (OR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.29–4.91), and individuals from average or well-off households (OR = 4.02; 95% CI: 1.92–8.44) had significantly higher odds of good QoL. QoL among older adults in Dai Tu district was generally favorable; however, disparities were observed by age, marital status, and economic condition. Tailored interventions focusing on vulnerable subgroups—particularly those aged ≥70 years, widowed, or economically disadvantaged—are recommended. Strengthening community-based care, improving healthcare access, and enhancing social support systems may help reduce inequities and promote healthy and active aging.