Social Support and Health Status among Community Dwelling Older People Living Alone with Chronic Diseases
Keywords:
older people living alone with chronic disease, social support, health statusAbstract
Objective: 1) To describe personal factors, social support, and health status, and 2) To examine relationships among personal factors and social support with health status among community dwelling older people living alone with chronic disease.
Design: Descriptive Correlational Research.
Procedure: The participants were 262 older people living alone with chronic disease in a province of northeastern region were recruited. Data were collected using demographic characteristics and a set of instruments designed to assess happiness in life, social support, perceived health status, depressive symptom, and death acceptance. Descriptive statistics, Biserial correlation, and Spearman’s Rank Correlation were used to analyze the data.
Results: The mean age of the sample was 71.20 ± 7.53 years. They had social support at a moderate level (66.8 %), perceived physical health at a fair level (47.7%), depression at a beginning level (80.5 %), happiness at a high level (52.7 %), and death acceptance at a mild level (57.6 %). Correlation analysis revealed that income was correlated with the perceived physical health (r= .181, p= .003) and happiness (r= .136,p= .028). Social support was correlated with perceived physical health (r= .148, p= .016) and happiness (r= .489,p< .001).
Recommendations: The four dimensions of health should be enhanced among older people living alone with chronic disease, particularly those with low income and lack of social support. Their access to healthcare and social services should be promoted and provided and vocational activities should be organized for them to earn income to sustain their health and self-esteem. Community activities should be promoted consistently integrated in their beliefs and culture to preserve their faith, beliefs, and mental attachment.
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References
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members in the hospitals under medical service department, Bangkok metropolis [Dissertation]. Bangkok: Srinakharinwirot University; 2008.
27. Rangsikosai S, Piphatvanitcha N. & Paokunha R. Factors related to behavior for preparing to cope with
dying and death among older adults in the Elderly Club, Pattani Province. Songklanagarind Journal of Nursing 2013;33:43-56.
28. Dhammaramo S. The attitude towards death in Theravada Buddhism: a case study of students from the classroom of Wat Chaichumbhonchanasongkhram Mahachulalongkornajavidyalaya University,Kanchanaburi Province [Dissertation]. Kanchanaburi:Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University; 2011.
29. Boukeaw P. & Teungfung R. Health Care and Health Status of Thai Aging. Journal of the Association of
Researchers 2016;21:94-109.
30. Atthamaethakul W. & Srivilai W. The influences of aging health in Tumbon Koobua, Ratchaburi. JHSR
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31. Chaiyasung P, Sutawatnatcha S, Intakan P & Lichanatein S. Predictors of depression among older
adult with chronic disease in urban area. JONAE 2013;6:27-37.126
32. Goodman LM. Death and the creative life: Conversations with eminent artists and scientists as they reflect on
life and death. New York, NY: Springer; 1981.
33. Cornwell EY, & Waite LJ. Social dis-connectedness, perceived isolation, and health among older adults.
JHSB 2009;50:31-48.
34. Khwandee N. Thosingha O. Danaidutsadeekul S & Riansuwan K. The relationship between pain, depression,
social support and functional recovery in elderly patients with hip fracture following surgery. Vajira Nursing Journal 2011;13: 68-81.
35. Kaewkanya C, Preechawong S, & Chimluang J. Selected Factors Predicting Depression in Person
with Chronic Heart Failure. Journal of The Royal Thai Army Nurses 2017;18:66-73.
36. Wichitsiri P. & Sawangsopakul B. Wisdom, social support and psychological well-being of elderly in the elderly
club at WatSarod Rat Burana District, Bangkok. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2012;38:139-51.
37. Sujaritwarakul M. & Somanusorn S. Factors related to death preparation among Thai buddhist elderly. Kuakarun Journal of Nursing 2018;25:154-69.
2. Park E - J, Sohn HS, Lee E - K & Kwon J - W. Living arrangements, chronic diseases, and prescription drug expenditures among Korean elderly: vulnerability to potential medication underuse. BMC Public Health 2014;14(1284):1-8.
3. Sarwari AR, Freedman L, Langenberg P, & Magaziner J. Prospective study on the relation between living arrangement and change in functional health status of women. AJE 1998;14(7):370-78.
4. Manorath P. Older alone: impact and social role on care. Boromarajonani College of Nursing Uttaradit Journal 2013;5(2):98-102.
5. Rachaneekorn M, Kangchai W & Nasaarn S. Health status and self care behavior of the elderly living alone
at Kalasin municipality, Kalasin Province [Dissertation]. Chon Buri: Burapha University; 2001.
6. Easton ME. Fear of crime and older adults: A metanarrative review of the literature. Simon Fraser University. Canada: Master of Arts; 2013.
7. Besser A, & Priel B. Attachment, depression, and fear of death in older adults: The roles of neediness and perceived availability of social support. Pers. Individ. Differ. 2008;44(8):1711-25.
8. Hsu M, Huang X & Yupho S. The development of universal health insurance coverage in Thailand: challenges of population aging and informal economy. Soc Sci Med 2015;145:227-36.
9. Dai Y, Zhang C - Y, Zhang B - Q, Li Z, Jiang C & Huang H - L.. Social support and the self-rated health
of older people. A comparative study in Tainan Taiwan and Fuzhou Fujian province. Medicine (Baltimore), 2016;95(24):1-4.
10. Chimjinda J. The factors influencing life happiness amongst the elderly at a community in Nakhon
Pathom Province [Dissertation]. Nakhonpathom: Christian University of Thailand; 2012.
11. Rangsikosai S, Piphatvanitcha N. & Paokunha R. Factors related to behavior for preparing to cope with dying and death among older adults in the Elderly Club, Pattani Province. Songklanagarind Journal of Nursing 2013;33:43-56.
12. Chotthanaphan S. The relationship between social support and depression of the elderly in Bangkhae home of
the aged [Dissertation]. Bangkok: Srinakharinwirot University; 2007.
13. Toci E, Burazeri G, Jerliu N, Sorensen K, Ramadani N, Hysa B & Brand H. Health literacy, self-perceived health and self-reported chronic morbidity among older people in Kosovo. Health Promot. Int. 2015;30(3):667-74.
14. Albert PR. Why is depression more prevalent in women? J Psychiatry Neurosci 2015; 40(4):219-21.
15. Cicirelli VG. Personal meanings of death in older adults and young adults in relation to their fears of death. Death Stud. 2001;25(8):663-83.
16. Fernandez-Martinez B, Prieto-Flores M - E, Forjaz MJ, Fernández-Mayoralas G, Rojo-Pérez F & MartínezMartín P. Self-perceived health status in older adults: Regional and sociodemographic inequalities in Spain. Rev Saúde Pública 2012;46(2):310-19.
17. Polyiam I, Siri S, Taechabunsermsak P & Sujirarat D. Prevalence and associated factors of depression in
elderly patients with non communicable disease, Roi Et province [Dissertation]. Bangkok: Mahidol University; 2014.
18. Thammatawat P. The relationships of preparation for aging and life sattiafaction of the elderly in Nakhon
Si Thammarat municipality, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Sripatum Chonburi Journal 2014;10:88-94.
19. House JS. Work stress and social support. Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley; 1981.
20. World Health Organization [Internet]. Mental health: a state of well-being; 2014 [updated 2014 August; cited 2018 Jul 9]. Available from: http://www.who.int/featur es/factfles/mental_health/en/
21. National Health Commission. National Health Act, B.E.2550. National Health Commission: Nonthaburi; 2007.
22. Phatharapreeyakul L, Kraithaworn P, & Piaseu N. Perceived social isolation, self-care behaviors and
health status among community dwelling older adults living alone. The Bangkok Medical Journal 2016; 11:17-23.
23. Chuen-im K. Health-related quality of life amongst elderly people with osteoarthritis at a community in
Samut Sakhon Province [The Degree of Master of Nursing]. Nakhon Pathom: Christian University; 2007.
24. Piaseu N. Factors affecting food insecurity among urban poor in Thailand. SAJCN 2003;18:156-62.
25. Wongpakaran N. Wongpakaran T. Prevalence of major depressive disorders and suicide in long-term care facilities: a report from northern Thailand. Psychogeriatrics 2012;12:11-7.
26. Nakwijit B. Psycho-social fators related to self- care behavior and happiness of the senior citizen club
members in the hospitals under medical service department, Bangkok metropolis [Dissertation]. Bangkok: Srinakharinwirot University; 2008.
27. Rangsikosai S, Piphatvanitcha N. & Paokunha R. Factors related to behavior for preparing to cope with
dying and death among older adults in the Elderly Club, Pattani Province. Songklanagarind Journal of Nursing 2013;33:43-56.
28. Dhammaramo S. The attitude towards death in Theravada Buddhism: a case study of students from the classroom of Wat Chaichumbhonchanasongkhram Mahachulalongkornajavidyalaya University,Kanchanaburi Province [Dissertation]. Kanchanaburi:Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University; 2011.
29. Boukeaw P. & Teungfung R. Health Care and Health Status of Thai Aging. Journal of the Association of
Researchers 2016;21:94-109.
30. Atthamaethakul W. & Srivilai W. The influences of aging health in Tumbon Koobua, Ratchaburi. JHSR
2013;7:18-28.
31. Chaiyasung P, Sutawatnatcha S, Intakan P & Lichanatein S. Predictors of depression among older
adult with chronic disease in urban area. JONAE 2013;6:27-37.126
32. Goodman LM. Death and the creative life: Conversations with eminent artists and scientists as they reflect on
life and death. New York, NY: Springer; 1981.
33. Cornwell EY, & Waite LJ. Social dis-connectedness, perceived isolation, and health among older adults.
JHSB 2009;50:31-48.
34. Khwandee N. Thosingha O. Danaidutsadeekul S & Riansuwan K. The relationship between pain, depression,
social support and functional recovery in elderly patients with hip fracture following surgery. Vajira Nursing Journal 2011;13: 68-81.
35. Kaewkanya C, Preechawong S, & Chimluang J. Selected Factors Predicting Depression in Person
with Chronic Heart Failure. Journal of The Royal Thai Army Nurses 2017;18:66-73.
36. Wichitsiri P. & Sawangsopakul B. Wisdom, social support and psychological well-being of elderly in the elderly
club at WatSarod Rat Burana District, Bangkok. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2012;38:139-51.
37. Sujaritwarakul M. & Somanusorn S. Factors related to death preparation among Thai buddhist elderly. Kuakarun Journal of Nursing 2018;25:154-69.
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Published
2019-04-23
How to Cite
1.
บุญพา ร, ไกรถาวร ผ, เปียซื่อ น. Social Support and Health Status among Community Dwelling Older People Living Alone with Chronic Diseases. J Thai Nurse midwife Counc [Internet]. 2019 Apr. 23 [cited 2024 Nov. 23];34(2):112-26. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TJONC/article/view/161600
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