농촌지역 독거노인의 건강증진행위와 삶의 질

Abstract

Purpose: This study was to identify the degree of health-promoting behavior and quality of life and the factors influencing quality of life of solitary elderly in rural areas. Method: The subjects of this study were 202 solitary elderly, and 65-89, who had been living in four rural areas. Data was collected through 4 questionnaires from July 10th, 2003 to August 30th, 2003. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan's multiple-range test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Stepwise multiple regression with SPSS/PC. Results: The average item score for the health-promoting behavior was 2.43; the highest score on the subscale was self-actualization (M=2.58) with the lowest being exercise (M=2.05). 2) The average item score for the quality of life was 2.81; the highest score on the subscale was neighbor relationships (M=3.27) with the lowest being economic conditions (M=2.24). There were significant differences in the health-promoting behavior by educational level and leisure-activity, in the quality of life by age and religion. Quality of life scores correlated negatively with depression scores (r=-.063, p=.000) and positively with health-promoting behavior (r=.144, p=.000), social support scores (r=.383, p=.000). Stepwise multiple regression analysis for quality of life revealed that the most powerful predictor was health-promoting behavior. Health-promoting behavior, social support, depression and age explained 51.8% of the variance. Conclusion: These results suggested that elderly people in rural areas with high degree of quality of life are likely to be high in health-promoting behavior and social support and low in depression. Therefore, it is necessary to develop health promotion programs in due consideration of health-promoting behavior and social support and depression in order to enhance the quality of life of solitary elderly in rural areas.