Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2005;7(2):185-194.

여성노인의 노화로 인한 신체적 증상지각과 관련변인

장성옥 김순용

Abstract

Introduction: Pain was found to be common among old women. Older adults, especially old women are at risk of suffering from untreated pain. Thus, to provide them with good nursing care in community setting, the information about characteristics and types of somatic symptom are a prerequisite.
Methods
This cross-sectional study based on self-report data aimed to investigate the type of somatic symptoms and to explain related variables on somatic symptom among old women. Data was collected from 219 old women over 65 years old in a community setting in Seoul, Korea in June and July, 2000.
Results
68.5% of subjects admitted they live with somatic symptom through aging process in daily activities. As for the types of somatic symptom, aging related symptoms were dominant such as arthritic pain, palpitation and dizziness. And as for related experiences for aggravating chronic pain, walking for a long time was most frequently reported experience. Through testing the three hypothetical models based on literature review, the relation of variables on perception of somatic symptom is that somatic attribution is influencing variable to chronic pain and depression and then chronic pain and depression is fluencing variable to chronic fatigue.
Conclusion
The finding indicates the old women were at risk of untreated somatic symptoms coming from aging and give useful information to construct symptom management intervention programs for the old women. The provision of good nursing care for old women requires systematic routines for frequent symptom assessment and based on accurate assessment, appropriate interventions are required.

Key words: 노화 증상 Aging Symptoms