Hospitalization as a stress factor in patients above 60 years age: a pilot study

Introduction: Hospitalization is a difficult moment, especially for the elderly, because of the disruption of normal activity. The disease itself is a serious stress for seniors and it s consequences further increase stress, and the stay in hospital may increase the existing mental stress. The aim of the study was to analyze factors influencing the onset of stress in hospitalized elderly patients and the impact of the therapeutic team on the patient.

Material and methods: The study was conducted from 2014 to 2015 on 154 hospitalized patients in the age over 60 years. The largest group consisted of women (64%), people in relationship (62%) in the 60-69 age group (40%). Method: author痴 own questionnaire.

Results: Most respondents were admitted to hospital as planned (56%), they did not know their diagnosis (33%). Respondents suffered for over 10 years (51%), hospitalization gave them hope (24%) or they felt helpless (14%). Sufferers are mostly visited by the family (79%), what is satisfactory for them (70%). The majority of respondents had unpleasant feelings concerning the state of their health (62%), they were satisfied with the information obtained from a physician (73%) and nurses (81%), and the instructions given by the staff were easy to understand (90%). Patients expect from medical staff a conversation (41%), caring approach (21%) and sincerity (81%). For the greatest part of the respondents stay in the hospital was a stress (38%).

Conclusions: Hospitalization is a stress factor for patients above 60 years of age, which is influenced by the lack of comprehensive information on their health.