J Korean Community Nurs.  2003 Jun;14(2):362-371.

Social Support and Quality of Life for the Elderly in Rural Area

• Kang KS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the amount of social support and quality of life perceived by the elderly people in the rural area, to examine the relationship between social support and quality of life in an effort to lay the basic data for the effective nursing intervention to enhance quality of life among the elderly people. Data were collected for a sample of 220 elderly people aged over 60 from a stratified probability method from one county area in South Cholla province from Aug.15 to Sept.15 2002. For data collection, pre-educated researchers visited the participants' homes and surveyed them face-to-face. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS program with t-test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation. The findings were as follows: 1. The most socially supportive people they answered were spouses(57.28%), followed by children, friends/neighbours in descending order. In terms of satisfaction about social support, the subjects felt the most satisfaction from spouses, followed by friends/neighbours, children in descending order. 2. The participants' perceived social support was 26.0 and the highest score was 108.0 out of 125. Also, the average score and average grade point was 81.7 and 3.35 respectively. A comparison of the average grade points per items within sub-areas of social support revealed financial aid(3.56), informative support(3.34), emotional support(3.27), and evaluation support(3.22). 3. Their perceived social support were statistically significant differences in terms of how much they earn (F=18.56, p= .00001) and whether they have family members living together(F=2.68, p= .0512), quality of life were statistically significant differences in terms of how much they earn (F= 35.34, p= 0.00001). 4. Their perceived quality of life was the lowest score 47.0, the highest score 196.0, average score 145.7, and average grade points 3.28. A comparison of the average grade points per items within sub-areas of quality of life revealed neighbour relationship(3.97), self-esteem(3.49), family relationship(3.35), economic condition (3.12), physical health state(2.98), and psychological health state (2.74). 5. The relationship between the amount of the subjects' social support and quality of life was significantly correlated(r= .696, p< .001). The findings revealed that social support for the elderly people in the rural area was a great effective factor on their quality of life. And, it was showed that the larger the social support for the elderly, the greater the quality of life for them. Therefore, it is needed that fostering geriatric nurse specialists and developing nursing intervention program connected with health care and social wellbeing to enhance the quality of life of the elderly people in the rural areas. Also, it will be much needed that the development of effective model for community and its application with playing a leading role by nurses.

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Child
Data Collection
Delivery of Health Care
Foster Home Care
Humans
Nursing
Quality of Life*
Specialization
Spouses