Dissertation committee:
Παναγιώτα Σουρτζή, Καθηγήτρια, Νοσηλευτική, ΕΚΠΑ
Αθηνά Καλοκαιρινού, Καθηγήτρια, Νοσηλευτική, ΕΚΠΑ
Αικατερίνη Λαμπρινού, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου
Χρυσούλα Λεμονίδου, Καθηγήτρια, Νοσηλευτική, ΕΚΠΑ
Εμμανουήλ Βελονάκης, Καθηγητής, Νοσηλευτική, ΕΚΠΑ
Ελισσάβετ Πατηράκη, Καθηγήτρια, Νοσηλευτική, ΕΚΠΑ
Στυλιανή Τζιαφέρη, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Νοσηλευτική, Πανεπιστήμιο Πελοποννήσου
Summary:
Introduction: The proportion of older people in Greece is 20% of the population, while the number of those living alone increases steadily. Because of this increase the need for promoting healthy aging is apparent, for which good health and autonomy are important prerequisites. At the same time, family as a structure is changing and family members who get involved in care no longer have the same role, whereas older people living alone may have greater needs that could be addressed by creating more appropriate health and welfare services.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of a relationship between social support and health and quality of life of older people and to compare the level of health and quality of life of older people according to whether they live alone or with their families.
Method: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample of the study was a convenience one, where older people living in the community in the wider area of Attica were included and they were approached at the KAPI of the municipalities selected for the study. The main inclusion criteria were that older people of both sexes should be included in similar proportion and that did not have any cognitive impairment. Also those who had functional disability and dependency were excluded. Data collection was made with an anonymous questionnaire which was filled in by interview carried out from the researcher. The questionnaire included questions about demographic, occupational and educational data, questions about the social network of older people, and questions about health and health problems as reported by them as well as about the frequency of use of health services. Secondly, the EQ-5D health-related quality of life questionnaire was included, followed by the MSPSS multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and finally, Barthel's self-care evaluation scale. The questionnaires had a satisfactory internal consistency. For the statistical analysis, the SPSS 22.0 was used. For all correlations or comparisons, the statistical significance level was set to less than or equal to 0.05. Mean values and standard deviations were used to describe the quantitative variables. Absolute (N) and relative (%) frequencies were used to describe the qualitative variables. Parametric methods were used for the bivariate analysis, while Pearson correlation coefficient was used for studying the relationships between scales. Linear regression analysis was used to find independent factors associated with the different scales from which the dependency coefficient (β) and the standard error occurred.
Results: The majority (61.4%) of older people were women, with an average age of 75.2 years. The largest percentage was either married (46.3%) or widowed (43.9). Half of the older people (40.6%) had completed primary school. Almost all of the older people reported having financial autonomy (94.5%). Nearly half of the elderly (43%) lived with their family, while many of them were living alone (37.6%). Of those who live permanently in Athens, at least half (51.6%) stayed with their children. When the elderly were asked to compare their health with their peers, almost half of them said they had a better level of health. Most of the older people had no problems with mobility, for self-handling the majority (86.9%) did not report any problems, as well as in the ordinary activities (76.9%). In the field of pain and discomfort half of the elderly reported having some problems and in the field of anxiety and sadness 43% had some problems and 40% many. On the VAS scale, it was found that the elderly rated their health as moderate. The mean value of the perceived social support scale was 61.4, while higher was for support from important others and the family, and lower from friends. A statistically significant independent relationship was found among social support and sex, the existence of children, marriage, recent visits, very good or good relationships with neighbours, levels of hearing and vision and self-reported health. A statistically significant independent relationship has been shown among EQ5D and sex, living alone, permanent residence in Athens, recent or relatively recent visit, assistance in raising grandchildren, etc., participation in clubs, the existence of a chronic health problem, taking at least three medicines and social support from other important people in their lives. A statistically significant independent relationship has been also found between EQ-VAS and retirement, relationships with neighbours, having the same or better health than their peers, chronic health problems, difficulties in chewing, taking medication and social support from friends.
Conclusions: Health-related quality of life of older people is affected by their health status as well as by the social support that they receive. Their contact with family, social groups they belong to and other contacts can increase their level of self-care, health related quality of life and social support despite health problems. This study has shown the relationship between health-related quality of life and social support of older people living in the community. Results can be used to develop health and social care services for the elderly.
Keywords:
Older people, KAPI, Health related quality of life, Social support, Self-care.
