A Study to Assess The Level of Stress and Coping Strategies Among Geriatric Chronic Illness Patients at Srm Mch & Rc.

Abstract

A study to assess the level of stress and coping strategies among geriatric chronic illness patients at SRM MCH & RC.

Aim and Objective: To assess the level of stress and coping strategies among geriatric chronic illness patients. Methodology: The research approach used for the study are quantitative approach and descriptive research design. The samples were selected by purposes sampling technique. The sample size was 150 geriatric chronic illness patients. The study was conducted at SRM MCH &RC. Perceived stress scale (10-item scale) and Coping scale by Hamby, Grych and Banyard (2013) (13 item scale) was used for collection of data. The period of data collection was 1 month.

Results: Approximately 92.7% of geriatric population living with chronic illnesses reported moderate stress, 4% high stress, and 3.3% mild stress. As for coping mechanisms, around 90% of these patients had moderate coping mechanisms, 6.7% had high coping mechanisms, and 3.3% had low coping mechanisms. The correlation value of \(r = 0.335 \) suggests a negative correlation, which means when elderly people with chronic illnesses improve their coping, their stress levels tend to decrease. Additionally stress levels in the geriatric population were found to be strongly influenced by family income.

Conclusion: Present study concluded that (92.7%) of geriatric population had moderate level of stress and (90%) of these patients had moderate coping mechanisms. (p<0.001). Geriatric chronic illness patients stress levels have been found to be significantly correlated with family income.