International Journal of Health Medicine and Nursing Practice · Oct 11, 2026
Immobility and Perceived Quality of Life among Older Adults in Likasi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study in the Kalipopo Health Area
By Katoba MG, Didier CK, Jean NM et al.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of immobility, assess perceptions of quality of life, and analyze the influence of immobility on perceived quality of life among older adults in the Kalipopo Health Area in Likasi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a 20-month community survey (August 2024 - March 2026). This was a community-based mixed-methods cross-sectional study conducted in the Kalipopo Health Area. The quantitative component included people aged 65 years and older identified according to predefined inclusion criteria; the qualitative component used purposive sampling and thematic analysis and comprised 13 semi-structured interviews until data saturation. Associations are interpreted as statistical relationships and not as causal effects. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0 with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The population was predominantly female (60%), aged 85-94 years (38.5%), widowed (73.8%), and unemployed (87.7%). The prevalence of immobility was very high: 75.4% did not engage in any physical activity, 90.8% had a reduction in walking distance, and 83.1% required assistance with mobility. Quality of life was perceived as low or very low by 86.2% of participants. All correlations between indicators of immobility and dimensions of QPV were negative and significant (r = -0.398 to -0.563, p < 0.01). Logistic regression identified reduced walking distance (OR=6.23), physical inactivity (OR=5.67), and feelings of isolation (OR=4.89) as the main predictors of low QPV. The qualitative analysis revealed profound existential distress, including suicidal ideation (46.2%) and a feeling of confinement (61.5%). UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THEORY, POLICY, AND PRACTICE: This study provides the first empirical data on the influence of immobility on perceived quality of life in the RDC.