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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

Spirituality and quality of life in older adults: a path analysis model

Authors: Sara Lima, Lurdes Teixeira, Raquel Esteves, Fátima Ribeiro, Fernanda Pereira, Ana Teixeira, Clarisse Magalhães

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Study older adults’ quality of life is becoming increasingly important in the assessment, quality improvement and allocation of health and social care service. The purpose of this study was to enhance knowledge on the relationship between modifiable (psychological variables) and non-modifiable variables (sociodemographic), and quality of life in elderly, regarding psychological and social variables in Portuguese context.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, including 604 older adults from general community. 63.6% of the sample was composed by female gender with a mean age of 71.6(SD = 4.81). Participants completed the following instruments: Barthel Index to assess functionality; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale to assess social support; The Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness to assess spirituality and Short Form Health Survey 36, to assess mental and physical quality of life.

Results

A path analysis model was performed where the presence of a chronic disease, age and functionality has a direct effect on physical quality of life and spirituality had a direct effect on mental quality of life. Social support mediated the relationship between functionality and mental quality of life, and in turn, functionality mediated the relationship between age and physical quality of life.

Conclusions

Results reinforce the effect of age and chronic disease as non-modifiable variables as well as functionality, spirituality and satisfaction with social support as modifiable variables, in the quality of life of older people. Social support, health and education programs in the community should be promoted in order to improve quality of life in this population. Strategies to promote functionality and enhance the social support network, especially in the elder with chronic illness, should be a priority.
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Metadata
Title
Spirituality and quality of life in older adults: a path analysis model
Authors
Sara Lima
Lurdes Teixeira
Raquel Esteves
Fátima Ribeiro
Fernanda Pereira
Ana Teixeira
Clarisse Magalhães
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01646-0

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