Factors associated with quality of life of elderly attending a health unit in the Federal District, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with quality of life of elderly attending a Health Unit in Ceilandia, Federal District, Brazil. METHOD: Quantitative approach with descriptive cross-sectional design conducted with 277 elderly through interviews to investigate demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables and application of the WHOQOL-bref, with descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS: The elderly showed better quality of life in the domain "social relations", followed by "psychological", "physical" and finally "environment". CONCLUSIONS: Factors significantly associated with quality of life in this study were: disease, smoking, physical activity, visual and history of falls. The problems / barriers known in this study can guide the health professionals who work at primary health care. The targeted assistance may enable a trusting relationship between the health professional and the elderly as well as help them to solve the problems / barriers that affect their quality of life.