Factors Influencing Quality of Life among Vietnam War Veterans with Agent Orange-Related Diseases

Purpose : This study aimed to identify factors influencing quality of life among Vietnam War veterans with Agent Orange-related diseases. Methods : This descriptive cross-sectional study included 162 veterans with Agent Orange-related diseases from six veterans’ hospitals. Data were collected from October 7 to October 21, 2021, using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 26.0 and included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results : Post-traumatic stress disorder was significantly negatively correlated with quality of life (r=-.19, p = .017), whereas social support was significantly positively correlated with quality of life (r=.39, p ＜.001). The strongest predictor of quality of life was average subjective health status (β=.42, p ＜.001), followed by evaluative support (β=.33, p ＜.001), poor subjective health status (β=.26, p ＜.001), living with family (β=.26, p ＜.001), and central nervous system diseases (β=-.19, p =.002). Together, these variables explained 43.1% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusion : To improve the quality of life of veterans with Agent Orange-related diseases, individualized nursing interventions should be developed that take into account subjective health status, social support, living arrangements, and comorbid conditions. Furthermore, policies related to medical and compensation support should be expanded based on these findings.