Health behaviour, depression and religiosity in older patients admitted to intermediate care.
OBJECTIVE
To examine health behaviour, severity of depression, gender differences and religiosity in older patients admitted to intermediate care for further rehabilitation.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
A research physiotherapist interviewed 173 older patients (113 female), 60 and older consecutively admitted to intermediate care for rehabilitation, usually after acute care.


METHODS
Religiosity was measured using the Duke University Religion Index, depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and severity of depression measured by the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Physical disability was assessed by the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale and quality of life measured by the SF-36 questionnaire.


RESULTS
After controlling for other factors using multiple regression, religious attendance was associated with positive general health perception (t = 1.9, p = 0.05), and inversely associated with number of pack years smoked (t = -2.05, p = 0.04) and severity of illness (Charlson Index), [t = -2.05, p = 0.04]. Intrinsic religious activity was associated with older age (t = 3.06, p < 0.003), female gender (t = 2.52, p = 0. 01), living situation (t = -2.17, p < 0.03) and with less severe depression (t = -2.43, p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
In older patients with chronic diseases in intermediate care, religious attendance was associated with positive perceptions of health, less severe illness, and fewer pack years. Intrinsic religious activities were associated with less severe depression and lower likelihood of living alone.
Yohannes
A M
AM
Department of Physiotherapy, Manchester Metropolitan University, Elizabeth Gaskell Campus, Manchester, UK. a.yohannes@mmu.ac.uk
Koenig
H G
HG
Baldwin
R C
RC
Connolly
M J
MJ
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D015438:Health Behavior; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007380:Intermediate Care Facilities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors