Quality of Life among Elderly Clients with Heart Diseases at Geriatric Homes in Cairo Governorate

Abstract

Aging is a complexand dynamic process with intricately, interrelated and inseparable physiologic, psycho logic and sociologic components. It is a normal process that implies continued growth developmentand adaptation until death. Aging is a universal human experience that culminates in an end. It isa dynamicstate of existence that changes with one's perspective. Moreover, aging is a time of confusion and vulnerability to certain risk taking behaviors, which may lead to serious complications as cardiac diseases. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to focus more attention on elderly healthboth physical, and psychological (Tinetti, 2006). Obtaining a careful evaluation and developing a plan for care with care provider is key for improving the quality of life requires some or significant assistance with activities of daily living to improve their quality of life(Andrew and Alvin, 2010). Aim of the study The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life among elderly clients with heart disease in geriatric homes through: 1) Assessing the physical aspect of quality of life. 2) Assessing the psychological aspect of quality of life. 3) Assessing the social aspect of quality of life. 4) Assessing the spiritual aspect of quality of life. 5) Assessing the safety environment of geriatric homes for clients with heart disease. Research Questions 1: What is the relation between socio-demographic characteristics of elderly clients and heart diseases condition? 2: What is the effect of heart diseases on physical status? 3: Are there any effect of heart diseases on psychological and social status? 4: Are there relation between the safety environment and quality of life of clients with heart disease? Subjects and Methods:are described under the following four designstechnical, operational, administrative, and statistical. Design: This is descriptive study. Setting:The study was carried out at Geriatric homes in Cairo governorate of the four selected setting (Dar Hedia Barakate 1 – Dar Hedia Barakate 2 – Darel safa-Dar el Marwa). Subjects were followed for environmental assessment. Subjects:It consisted of subjects presenting in geriatric homes.The sample nearly (120) clients which were taken randomly. The sample was chosen according tothe following inclusive criteria: 1-Older adults (Age 60 years or above). 2-Diagnosed with cardiac diseases. 3- Agreed of patient to participate in the study by written consent. Tools:Four tools were used for data collection: The first tool: Aquestionnaire to assess socio- demographiccharacteristic and medical history. Thedata were collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. The researcher designed the questionnaire based on literature review. -An observational check list to assess: -Patient's knowledge about (heart, disease,hygiene, diet,exercise, constipation) and aboutphysical (physical activities andrecreation).psychological (anxiety, depression, and fear).social (adaptation with other and relationship with other) The second tool: Data collected from medical record review,It include diagnosis, treatment regimen, number of entry to hospital and pain …etc. Third tool: It includesafety environment.Itinclude: toilet, safety chair, presence of lift (elevator). Content validity done to the tool.Will be tested through 5 experts from the staff of community health nursing in community health nursing department in faculty of nursingAin Shams University. Data were collected overa period of10 (ten months). From the first of November 2013 to the end of August 2014. It was devoted for reviewing related literature, designs of the questionnaire sheet, and performing the pilot study. The study results revealed the following: • Elderly clients with cardiac diseases hadmore than half 60.0% of the elderly clients with cardiac diseases were females, with a mean age of 71+- 8.60; years;and slightly less than half 43.3%of them were illiterate, 16.7% were single, and more than halfof them 34.2%were not working, 73.3% lived in urban. • Concerning medical history of elderly clients with cardiac diseases,more than half 67.5%of cases had hypertension, while 68.3% had arthritis. More than half of them57.5%had anemia, and less than 45.0% had diabetes mellitus, the duration of disease for slightly more than one third36.7% of clients was 15 years and more, about three quarters 75.0%of them complained chest pain during cardiac attack, while 80.0%complained from tightness of breath (dyspnea),and about two thirds 65.8%had only one attack during the month, 18.3% had chemical therapy, while 99.2% had other medication.