The impact of health literacy, walking practice, and sarcopenia on health-related quality of life in rural older adults: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine health literacy, walking practice, sarcopenia, and health-related quality of life among rural older adults, and to identify the factors influencing health-related quality of life. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 360 rural older adults participated in the study, and data collection was conducted from August 28 to September 30, 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The results of this study show that sarcopenia (β=-.37, p<.001), working status (β=-.29, p<.001), walking practice (β=-.14, p=.001), and education level (β=-.11, p=.020) were significant factors affecting health-related quality of life among rural older adults. Conclusion: It is important to identify the factors affecting the health-related quality of life among rural older adults who often experience health disparities. This suggests the need to develop a program that promotes walking practice and prevents sarcopenia tailored to the characteristics of rural older adults.