Spiritual Health Among Isfehanian Elderly People

• Main Authors: Fatemeh Khalili, Shima Sum, Hamid Asayesh
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences 2013-04-01
• Series: Sālmand
• Subjects: Spiritual health; Elderly people; Religious health
• Online Access: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-327-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1

Objectives: In the recent years world experienced an increased number of elderly population particularly in developing countries such as Iran. Considering protection and promotion of health of this vulnerable group should be more focused. This is obvious that assessing their health status is the first priority of health promotion strategy. Spiritual health is one of the health dimensions which is less concerned in this age group. This study aimed to assess distribution of spiritual health among Isfehanian elderly people. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 Isfahanian over 60 elderly people. By convenience sampling subjects were chosen from urban area. Data was gathered by a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and Palutzian & Ellison Spiritual Health Questionnaire. Dat analyzed by t test, ANOVA, correlation and multiple regression. Results: Findings showed that 70.09% of participants were male and mean of age was 67.5 Mean score of spiritual health was 95.02&plusmn;13.98 which was in a high level. Elderly people accommodated in nursing homes had a significantly lower spiritual health status. Significant relationship was found between spiritual health, educational level and type of accommodation (P<0.05). Conclusion: As results showed supports originated from spiritual health is beneficial and could promote quality of life and health. Considering this issue in older people as a vulnerable group is recommended.