J Korean Community Nurs.  2000 Jun;11(1):146-157.

A Study on the Powerlessness of Elderly Adults in Nursing Homes

• Kim JS
• Kim MS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data necessary for the establishment of a nursing intervention program to relieve the powerlessness of elderly adults in nursing homes by investigating the degree of such powerlessness and factors affecting it. For the study, 353 elderly adults from S. A. D. J and Y free nursing homes located in Pusan were sampled as the subjects. The data were collected through direct interviews using a questionnaire survey and recorded by observation for a month from September 1. 1999. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SAS. The main results were as follows; 1. The mean score of the degree of perceived powerlessness of the subject were 30.4 point out of 64 point. 2. The level of powerlessness showed significant differences among the subjects in terms of educational background and monthly allowance both of which belong to socio-demographic characteristics. 3. Concerning the level of powerlessness based on health conditions. it showed significant differences in terms of the situation of common activity and the subjective perception of health condition. 4. Based on social support. the level of powerlessness was found significantly different in terms of close friends. 5. According to social activity. the level of powerlessness showed a significant difference in religious and leisure activities. In conclusion, it would be more effective in reducing powerlessness in elderly adults and in dealing with chronic diseases and physical discomfort. if we operated programs through which elderly adults can make friends and develop a nursing intervention program focusing on a variety of leisure activities.

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Aged*
Busan
Chronic Disease
Friends
Humans
Leisure Activities
Nursing
Nursing Homes*
Surveys and Questionnaires