Health-related quality of life profiles in elderly people with age-related thoracic hyperkyphosis: a latent profile analysis

This study employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct patterns of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among elderly patients with age-related thoracic hyperkyphosis (ARTH) and to examine the factors associated with each profile. From April to October 2025, a sample of 350 elderly patients with ARTH was recruited via convenience sampling from a community health center in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. Data were collected using a composite questionnaire comprising the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ). LPA was conducted to categorize patterns of HRQOL, and multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze intergroup differences and identify associated factors influencing these patterns. Three latent HRQOL profiles were identified: a low HRQOL with poor function group (25.7%), a moderate HRQOL group (45.7%), and a high HRQOL group (28.6%). Significant differences were observed across these profiles in terms of age, occiput-wall distance (OWD), physical activity level, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, social support, and illness perception. The multinomial logistic regression analysis identified age, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and illness perception as independent factors associated with membership in the HRQOL profile. The results demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in HRQOL among elderly patients with ARTH. Healthcare providers should prioritize patients with low HRQOL and poor functional profiles, and design targeted intervention strategies based on the distinct characteristics of each subgroup to effectively enhance their quality of life.