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

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.