Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Lecturer of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt
2
Lecturer, of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt.
3
Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: death anxiety is a prevalent problem among older adults, as they exposed to bio-psychosocial changes. It is associated with adverse health consequences, including the decrease in physical functions, psychological stress, and weakening of religious beliefs. Adherence to spirituality can be a crucial factor in dealing with the notion of death anxiety and contributing to successful aging among older adults. Aim of the study: determine the relationship between death anxiety, spiritual well-being, and successful aging among community dwelling older adults. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was used to carry out this study. Setting: This study was conducted at three elderly clubs at Damanhour city, El-Behaira Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: 137 community dwelling older adults. Tools: four tools were used; tool I: A Socio-Demographic and Presence of Chronic Disease Structured Interview Schedule, tool II: The Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety (ASDA), tool III: Spiritual Well-being scale (SWBS), tool IV: Successful Aging Scale (SAS). Results: More than half of the studied older adults experienced either moderate or severe death anxiety. A positive significant relation spirituality and successful ageing (r=0.610, p < 0.001). Also, A negative correlation between death anxiety and spirituality (r=-0.679, p < 0.001) and successful ageing (r=-0.746, p < 0.001). Conclusion: there was significant positive relationship between spirituality and successful ageing which were statistically significant negative predictors of death anxiety in older adults. Recommendations: Providing psycho-educational program about successful aging and spiritual mental health promotion among older adults starting from early life stages through media, and religious classes in schools, clubs, and health care settings.
Keywords
)
View on SCiNiTO