Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2003;5(2):193-204.

일부 지역사회 노인의 영적안녕에 영향을 주는 요인 연구

장인순, 김수미

Abstract

Purpose
In this study factors influencing spiritual well-being in elderly people in the community were analyzed in order to provide data for nursing interventions to enhance the spiritual well-being of these elders. Method : The data were collected between April 15th and June 15, 2003 using a structured questionnaire. The participants were 382 elders, 65 years or older living in Gwangju and North Kyungsang province, Korea. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results
1. The range of spiritual well-being scores were from 20 to 80, with a mean value of 52.43. The results showed that the level of spiritual well-being was more positive for women (p=0.000), for elders having religious beliefs (p=0.000), being practicing Protestants or Catholics (p=0.000), participating in religious services (p=0.000), having religious piousness (p=0.000), financial stability (p=0.000), satisfaction with living (p=0.000), prepared for death (p=0.003), better ability in performance of daily life activities (p=0.000), less physical pain or discomfort (p=0.000), better perceived physical condition (p=0.000-p=0.003), more opportunities for conversation (p= 0.000), higher recreational activity (p= 0.000), and higher satisfaction with social interaction (p=0.000). 2. Factors significantly influencing spiritual well-being included higher recognition of religious influence on daily life, higher satisfaction with living, higher religious service participation, and with better overall health condition (R²=55.8%).
Conclusion
From our investigation, it is proposed that in order to promote the spiritual well-being of the elderly in the community, it is necessary to develop concrete nursing intervention program followed by the studies on outcoming effects of the intervention program.

Key words: 지역사회 노인, 영적안녕