DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC13.56
Authors: Kamonkan Thangnaree, Tassanee Krirkgulthorn and Siritorn Yingrengreung
Abstract:
Chronic illness and hospitalization have significant impacts on spiritual health and well-being of the elderly. This study was a one group experimental, pre-post test project measuring the spiritual health and multi-dimensional well-being of elderly patients with chronic illness. The objective was to compare the impacts of care interventions utilizing nursing process on 20 elderly patients with diabetes, hypertension and heart disease admitted to the medical units at Saraburi hospital in Thailand. Results showed that the spiritual health and well-being of the elderly in this study were improved after the intervention program. The total scores of Spiritual health improved from 2.38 to 3.23 ( p < .05). The three highest scores of spiritual health were on the dimensions of life goals (2.93 vs. 3.66), positive expectations (2.84 vs. 3.52), and life passion (2.48 vs. 3.14), whereas the three lowest scores were on the dimensions of acceptance of chronic illness (1.89 vs. 2.81), forgiveness (2.48 vs. 3.31), and happiness (2.07 vs. 3.41). The score of spiritual well-being was significantly increased from 4.85 (S.D.=1.34) to 8.65 (S.D.=.78). This study provides support for claims of positive impacts of using nursing process to improve the spiritual health and well-being of elderly patients with chronic illnesses admitted at medical units.
Keywords: elderly, chronic illness, spiritual, nursing process
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