The Effect Of Religious Coping Strategies Used During The Care Process On Quality Of Life Of Caregivers Of The Elderly Patients Hospitalized In Palliative Care Unit and Internal Medicine Clinic

Abstract

This study was conducted with descriptive-correlational design to determine the correlation between religious coping strategies and quality of life of the caregivers of elderly patients, staying in the palliative care unit and internal medicine clinics, during the care process. Material and Methods:The sample of the study was composed of 69 caregivers of elderly patients staying in the internal medicine clinics and palliative care unit of Sahinbey Research and Application Hospital. Caregiver Information Form, World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Short Form and Religious Coping Scale were applied to the participants and the data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Log linear model and regression analysis was used to examine the correlation between the scales. Results: A significant correlation was determined between the caregivers' ages and the quality of life and its subscales (p=0.001). The caregivers did not use religious coping methods as their ages increased (p=0.005). Conclusion:It was determined that age and financial situation did not affect quality of life of the caregivers. There was a positive correlation between religious coping status and quality of life of the caregivers. Consequently, it was found that religious coping methods used by the caregivers to be at peace enhanced their quality of life. It is recommended for nurses to provide training and counselling to caregivers about how care burden will be used and how quality of life will be enhanced.