The relationship of quality of life and level of hope of patients with chronic illness in De La Salle University Medical Center Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Date of Completion

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Quality of Life, Chronic Disease, Hope

Abstract

The type of research design used in the study was the descriptive non-experimental method. The respondents were the chronically ill patients in De La Salle University Medical Center regardless of age, sex, educational attainment, religion, civil status, and family income. The Quality of Life Scale is the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Quality of Life Scale which was used as a screening instrument for various type of diseases. The statistical tools that were used to analyze data were percentage distribution, mean, analysis of variance (Anova) via F-test, and Pearson’s r or product-moment correlation coefficient. Most of the respondents were in the middle adulthood stage of life, male college graduate or have reached college level, married, Catholic and have a monthly family income of P10,000 and below. The profile clearly illustrates that these population groups have the most risk factors in developing chronic illness. Low-income family usually lacks the resources to avail health care. Their living condition also affects their health making them more at risk in acquiring diseases compared to those at higher social economic status. Men’s lifestyle of drinking and smoking put them more at risk than women who are careful with their diet. The overall average of the quality of life of patients with chronic illness was high. Although most of the respondents lack the resources to respond to the specific needs of a chronically ill, they still have their families, close friends, relatives, neighbors and significant others to be with them to give support with the patient’s endeavor with chronic illness. This support system strives with the chronically ill in facing ordeals and hardships the patient might go through. The overall level of hope of patients with chronic illness was very high. Despite the condition of the respondents, they still have their social support system. Mostly, the family gives the initial support and becomes a source of motivation and energy to be more hopeful. On the average, the mean level of quality of life of patients with chronic illness when grouped according to age, civil status and family income differed significantly. This means that age, civil status, and family income were specific predictors of quality of life of patients with chronic illness. With age, health related quality of life also decreases. The availability of support system provides client a diversion from the illness and someone to share their fears, anxiety and feelings that could ease the patient’s burden of having chronic illness. Having the monetary resources to avail quality health care and special needs for the chronically ill is of vital importance to provide chronically ill physical comfort. Discomfort and disruption due to chronic illness affects daily living activities thus optimum quality care is necessary to maintain a desirable quality of life. On the average, the mean level of quality of life of patients with chronic illness when grouped according to sex, educational attainment and religion were practically the same. This means that regardless of sex, educational attainment and religion the level of their quality of life was the same. Each person has his/her own way of coping with stressful situations that may arise in life. Thus, people functions and reacts differently from the struggles they might face. Educational attainment is indirectly associated with family income. Health information can be a means to maintain and prevent illness. Knowledge brings about better choices and decision making. On the average, the mean level of hope of patients with chronic illness when grouped according to age, sex, educational attainment, civil status, religion and family income showed no difference. This means that regardless of age, sex educational attainment, civil status, religion and family income, their level of hope was the same. Therefore, these were not specific predictors of level of hope of patients with chronic illness. Hope is a subjective phenomenon that basically depends upon the individual’s coping mechanism. On the correlation, there was no relationship between quality of life and level of hope of patients with chronic illness. Although both have common characteristics, they are two separate concepts. Still, hope cannot be concluded to have no importance with enhancement of quality of life.

Comments

Call Number: TH NM 01 34

Location: Research Commons

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS