Publication Date

2000

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Nursing

LCSH

Nursing home patients--Illinois--Attitudes; Patient satisfaction--Illinois; Advance directives (Medical care)--Illinois; Older people--Nursing home care--Illinois; Quality of life--Illinois

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the perceived quality of life and attitudes toward advance directive decisions based on the resuscitation status of older adults who resided in nursing homes. The sample (n=76) consisted of adult residents, aged 64 and older (mean 85 years), from eight nursing homes in Illinois. The Perceived Quality of Life Scale (developed in 1992 by Donald Patrick) and the Advance Directive Patient Attitude Scale (devised in 1997 by Marie Nolan and Mark Bruder) were used for data collection in this comparative, descriptive study. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. The demographic characteristics of the sample were summarized with appropriate descriptive statistics. The research questions were tested by calculating the Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient quotient, the Spearman rho correlations, and regression analysis. There were no significant simple or complex relationships found between the attitudes toward advance directives, perceived quality of life, and resuscitation status. However, a statistically significant positive relationship existed between the total advance directive score and executing a living will at the .05 level (Spearman’s rho = .276). Results of this study suggest that older adults are relatively satisfied with their quality of life (mean score 129.89, SD = 37.52) and have a positive attitude toward advance directives (mean score 47.01, SD = 9.70). Further research examining the perceived quality of life and the decision-making process for advance directives among older adults in nursing homes is recommended.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [83]-95)

Extent

124 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

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Text

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