Showing 10 results for Elderly
Mr Hamid Hojjati, Mis Golnaz Koochaki, Mis Akram Sanagoo,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (8-2012)
Abstract
Background and Objective : Ageing is a sensitive period of life, and attention to the needs and an issue of this stage is a social necessity. The loneliness caused by lack of social relationship impacts on physical health, quality of life and life satisfaction of the elderly. Because of importance of this problem, we aimed at determining the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction in elder people.
Material and Methods : In study descriptive-correlational study, 100 senior citizens living in Gorgan and Gonbad were selected via purposive sampling. We collected the data by loneliness and life satisfaction questionnaires and analyzed by descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon test, and Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results: The mean and SD (14±6) of loneliness are high and of life satisfaction are average (24±7). Based on spearman, the correlation between loneliness and life satisfaction is significant (p<0.01, r= 0.6). Also, there is significant difference between life satisfaction and education al level (p<0.01 ( .
Conclusion: In line with this study clarified the effect of loneliness on life satisfaction, we recommend having continual contact with the elderly to recognize their social relationships and beliefs, family and health staff training about aging to enhance the perceptive interactions and designing some educational, therapeutic and rehabilitation programs.
Keywords: Loneliness ، Life satisfaction ، Elderly
Ali Akbar Abdollahi, Seyyed Abedin Hosseini, Dr Aref Salehi, Gholamreza Vaghari, Naser Behnampour,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (10-2013)
Abstract
Background and objective: Cardiovascular disease is the leading problem of the elders. It is progressive disorder that is initiated in childhood and its clinical demonstration is revealed after middle-aged period. This study aimed to determine the relationship between coronary artery disease- related risk-factors and aging.
Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on all 772 elders referring to Kosar Angiography Center in Golestan province, 2008-2009. The subjects were divided into coronary disorder group and normal group. The risk factors including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking and drug addiction were assessed. The data was analyzed by SPSS-16, using Mann-Whitney and T-test.
Results: Most of the subjects were between 65 to 75 years. Of the three main vessels, the most involved one was circumflex (31.5%). The factors such as gender and systolic hypertension were significantly different in two groups. Furthermore, the Risk ratio in the patients with systolic hypertension (1.13 times) and the ones with diastolic hypertension (1.11 times) was more than normal group.
Conclusion: Gender and systolic hypertension in the elders with CAD are the main and predisposing factors. Therefore, if we control hypertension, it may be possible to prevent from the CAD progress.
Dr Mahshid Forooghan, Danial Amanian, Dr Mohammad Ali Hosseini,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (10-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objective: With increasing older people population, the need to provide health care services in nursing homes is increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an educational program about the management of common problems in old age on the level of job stress in the caregivers of Golestan province nursing homes.
Material and Methods: This pre-experimental study was conducted on all 24 caregivers (11 males and 13 females) working in the nursing homes of Golestan province. The valid and reliable instruments were a researcher-made questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge and Osipow's job stress questionnaire, the intervention was an educational package to increase their knowledge and skills about the management of old age problems. The questionnaires were completed before, immediately after, one month and three months after the training. The data was analyzed by analysis variance, Pearson correlation, independent t-test and paired t-test.
Results: With increasing the knowledge of the caregivers, a significant reduction in job stress scores (p<0.001) was found after three months. Two components of job stress including overload (p<0.001) and insufficiency (p=0.002) showed significant decreases after three months compared to the mean scores before training.
Conclusion: Due to The effect of training on stress reduction, providing comprehensive training programs for caregivers may lead to higher quality services and health promotion for both elders and their caregivers.
Hashem Heshmati, Rasoul Asnashari, Samane Khajavi, Dr Abdurrahman Charkazi, Dr Anahita Babak, Seyed Ghadir Hosseini, Dr Nasser Behnampour,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Because of high growth of elderly population and the role of life style in their problems, we aimed to investigate the elders’life style in Kashmar.
Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 267 of over- 60- older people, who were covered by Kashmar health centers, selected by multi-stage sampling. We collected the data, using a valid and reliable questionnaire, via interview and analyzed them by SPSS 18 version using Chi- Square, ANOVA, independent t test, and correlation coefficient.
Results: The Mean age of the elderly was 69.03±0.38. The life style was moderate in 180 (67.4%) and desirable in 87 (32.6%) of them. There was significant relationship between life style and the variables such as age, marital status and education level (P<0.001). In addition, there was significant negative relationship between age and preventive behavior (p<0.001 r=-0.453), physical activity (p<0.001 r=-0.226), tension (p<0.001 r= -0.252) and social relation (p<0.001 r=-0.311).
Conclusion: A high percentage of elderly hasn't desirable life style therefore, we recommend appropriate measures, especially educational intervention for promoting elders’ life style.
Vahid Pakpour, Masoume Moqaddam, Raziehsadat Hosseiny, Sedigeh Salimi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background: Poor quality of sleep and daily activity in elderly people are associated with many physical and psychological problems that increase disability and need to use health services. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between daily activities and quality of sleep in the elderly people.
Methods: This Study was a correlational-descriptivestudy on390 elderly people in Zanjan in 2013. The sampling was done using a cluster and multistage method. Data were collected via face-to-face interview, using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a questionnaire on "activities of daily living(ADL)" and "instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)". Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistic including number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and inferential statistical tests including Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance.
Results: The mean score of ADLand IADL was 11.58±0.81 (score range 0-14) and 11.23±2.93 (score range 0-18), respectively. In addition, 85.7%of the subjects in the study had poor sleep quality and only 14.3% had good sleep quality. The results also indicated no significant relationship between the daily activities and quality of sleep in the elderly, while instrumental activities had a weak positive and significant correlation with their sleep quality (P≥ 0.05).
Conclusion: Although the elderlyin this study have poor sleep quality, they are independent inperforming ADL and IADL. Furthermore, there is a weak and direct correlation between sleep quality and instrumental activities of the old people. Improvement of activity in the elderly can improve their quality of sleep.
Nasrin Mokhtari, Afsaneh Nezafati, Farzaneh Sheikholeslami , Ehsan Kazemnejad Leili,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (1-2019)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Lower levels of health literacy have been associated with adverse health outcomes, especially for elderly.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 290 retired elder from the Retirement Centers in Rasht city by Convenient sampling during the year 2017. Data collection tools included, Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults(TOFHLA) and general health standard questionnaire (GHQ-28). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS.
Results: More than half of the participants (54.8%) had adequate health literacy. The highest mean of the health literacy was in the domain of reading comprehension (36.30±7.90) and then in the domain of numeracy (36.11±11.60). There was a significant relationship between the level of health literacy and the level of education, the level of education of the spouse and the history of cancer(P<0.05), the mean of the general health of the subjects was 20.67±8.27. by adjusting the effects of demographic variables, there was a significant relationship between the health literacy and the general health (P=0.04), such that by improving each level in the health literacy status, the chance of a favorable general health status, increases by 1.4 times (Odds Ratio=1.4).The findings, show a 0.95 confidence interval for variables related to general health.
Conclusion: This study approved that the level of education was the most important determinant of health literacy and general health, identifying elderly with poor health literacy and providing them with appropriate education can play a major role in promoting community health.
Navisa Seyed Ghasemi, Mina Dazi, Bahareh Nikrad, Hasan Khorsha, Amrolah Sharifi, Mohammad Reza Honarvar,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: The elderly population is projected to increase in Iran and the world. A large number of chronic diseases observed in the elderly could be prevented or treated by improving their lifestyle, including nutrition. The present study aimed to determine nutritional status and the affecting factors in the elderly in Gonbad Kavus, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 139 elderlies aged more than 60 years who resided in Gonbad (northeast of Iran) in 2013. The subjects were selected via two-stage cluster sampling, and each health center was considered as a cluster. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Moreover, anthropometric indices (e.g., weight and height) were measured using a fabric meter, stadiometer, and Seca scale. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 11.5 using Chi-square and ordinal logistic regression model.
Results: In total, 36% of the elderlies had a normal nutritional status, whereas 59% and 5% were at the risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. Among the subgroups, the female elderlies (78.6%) and single participants (87.1%) were at the risk of malnutrition or malnourished. Gender was the only independent variable affecting malnutrition. In addition, malnutritional status and marital status were the only variables affecting the body mass index even in the presence of other variables.
Conclusion: Based on the nutritional assessment of the elderly, special attention must be paid to elderly women with lower education levels and financial dependence. It is also recommended that periodic assessments be carried out in the elderly population using the MNA questionnaire.Background: The elderly population is projected to increase in Iran and the world. A large number of chronic diseases observed in the elderly could be prevented or treated by improving their lifestyle, including nutrition. The present study aimed to determine nutritional status and the affecting factors in the elderly in Gonbad Kavus, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 139 elderlies aged more than 60 years who resided in Gonbad (northeast of Iran) in 2013. The subjects were selected via two-stage cluster sampling, and each health center was considered as a cluster. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Moreover, anthropometric indices (e.g., weight and height) were measured using a fabric meter, stadiometer, and Seca scale. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 11.5 using Chi-square and ordinal logistic regression model.
Results: In total, 36% of the elderlies had a normal nutritional status, whereas 59% and 5% were at the risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. Among the subgroups, the female elderlies (78.6%) and single participants (87.1%) were at the risk of malnutrition or malnourished. Gender was the only independent variable affecting malnutrition. In addition, malnutritional status and marital status were the only variables affecting the body mass index even in the presence of other variables.
Conclusion: Based on the nutritional assessment of the elderly, special attention must be paid to elderly women with lower education levels and financial dependence. It is also recommended that periodic assessments be carried out in the elderly population using the MNA questionnaire.
Ali Afshar, Shahzad Pashaeypoor, Shima Hghani, Naeimeh Sarkhani, Nasrin Nikpeyma,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
Background: Arthritis is one of the most common diseases among the elderly, which is affected by adherence to treatment and self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine relationship of adherence to treatment and self-efficacy among the elderly with arthritis.
Methods: This descriptive–correlational study was conducted in 2019. Based on the convenience sampling method, 200 eligible elderly patients were recruited from three clinics affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using the Modanloo adherence to treatment questionnaire and the perceived self-efficacy scale. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency percentage, and standard deviation) and analyzed using inferential statistics (the Pearson correlation coefficient) in SPSS software (version 16). The statistical significance level was set at 0.05.
Results: The mean age of patients was 67.97±5.32 years. The mean scores of self-efficacy and adherence to treatment among the elderly with arthritis were 119.8±35.3 and 123.88±23.04, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between adherence to treatment and self-efficacy (r=0.648). The strongest positive correlation (r=0.693) was observed in the subscale of adherence to the treatment, and the weakest positive correlation (r=0.228) was observed in the subscale of indecisiveness for applying treatment with pain.
Conclusion: Because of the direct relationship between treatment adherence and self-efficacy in the elderly with arthritis, healthcare policymakers and planners should develop and implement programs to increase self-efficacy and treatment adherence among the elderly with arthritis and other chronic diseases.
Tanaz Mehrab-Mohseni, Shahzad Pashaeypoor, Shima Nazari, Farshad Sharifi,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Background: Self-care is an indicator of power and independence among older adults. Family can increase older adults’ motivation and desire for engagement in self-care activities. This study aimed to determine the effects of self-care education based on the family-centered empowerment model (FCEM) on functional independence and life satisfaction among community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 126 community-dwelling older adults from local sociocultural centers in 2021. They purposively recruited and randomly allocated to control (n = 63) and intervention (n = 63) groups. The intervention group received FCEM-based self-care education in six 1.5-hour weekly sessions. The education focused on the physical, psychoemotional, social, and spiritual aspects of self-care and was based on the 4 steps of FCEM: perceived threat, problem-solving, educational participation, and evaluation. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL Index) and Zest Life Satisfaction Index were respectively used for independence and satisfaction assessments before and 8 weeks after the study intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests.
Results: The mean age was 67.57 ± 4.62 years in the intervention group and 67.08 ± 4.62 years in the control group. There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups respecting the pretest mean scores of life satisfaction (16.54 ± 4.46 vs 16.68 ± 4.23; P = 0.963) and functional independence (4.78 ± 1.15 vs 5.11 ± 1.00; P = 0.107). The posttest mean score of functional independence was also insignificant (5.52 ± 0.692 vs 5.24 ± 0.911; P = 0.92) between the 2 groups. However, the Mann-Whitney U test showed that the posttest mean score of life satisfaction was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (18.95 ± 4.36 vs 16.13 ± 4.41; P = 0.001).
Conclusion: FCEM-based self-care education effectively improves life satisfaction among community-dwelling older adults.
Isaí Medina-Fernández, Donovan Casas-Patiño , Alejandra Rodríguez-Torres, Josué Medina-Fernández , Karla Patricia Valdés-García , Ana Laura Carrillo-Cervantes,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background: Aging is a complex and multidimensional process characterized by biological, psychological, and social changes that may increase vulnerability among older adults. Suicide in later life is recognized as a multifactorial public health issue influenced by several psychosocial factors, including attitudes toward death, vulnerability to abuse, and family functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the extent to which attitudes toward death, vulnerability to abuse, and family functioning predict suicide risk among older adults.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 comprising 260 older adults from Coahuila State. Participants were selected via non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Revised Profile of Attitudes toward Death (PAM-R), the Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS), and the Family APGAR. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression using SPSS version 25.
Results: A total of 260 older adults with a mean age of [69.25±6.80 years] years participated in the study. The majority of the cohort were female, married, and had completed secondary education. The prevalence of suicide risk was 13.8%, and vulnerability to abuse was identified in 10% of participants. An ambivalent attitude toward death was observed, and 33.9% of the sample exhibited moderate to severe family dysfunction. The regression model explained 17.4% of the variance in suicide risk (Adjusted R² = 0.174, F = 13.457, p < 0.001), with family functioning (β = - 0.350, p < 0.001) identified as the strongest and only significant predictor.
Conclusion: The risk of suicide in older adults is a multifactorial phenomenon in which family functioning plays a central protective role. These findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies in collective health, focused on strengthening families and early detection of psychosocial risk factors.
