title: Suffering and mental health among older people living in nursing homes-a mixed-methods study.
abstract: Background. Knowledge about mixed-methods perspectives that examine anxiety, depression, social support, mental health and the phenomenon of suffering among cognitively intact NH residents is scarce. We aimed to explore suffering and mental health among cognitively intact NH residents. Methods. This study used a mixed-methods design to explore different aspects of the same phenomena of interest to gain a more comprehensive understanding. The qualitative core component comprised a qualitative interview from 18 nursing home residents (≥65 years) about experiences related to pain, grief and loss. The supplementary component comprised interview from the same respondents using the SF-36 Health Survey subscales, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Social Provisions Scale. Results. The individual descriptions reveal suffering caused by painful experiences during life. The quantitative results indicated that symptoms of anxiety and depression were related to mental health and symptoms of anxiety were related to bodily pain and emotional role limitations. Attachment and social integration were associated with vitality and social functioning. Discussion. To improve the situation, more attention should be paid to the residents' suffering related to anxiety, depression and psychosocial relations.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bergen University College , Norway ; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen , Norway.
authors.forename: Jorunn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Drageset
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger , Norway.
authors.forename: Elin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dysvik
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bergen University College , Norway.
authors.forename: Birgitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Espehaug
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen , Norway.
authors.forename: Gerd Karin
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Natvig
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger , Norway.
authors.forename: Bodil
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Furnes
keywords: Mental health; Mix-methods; Nursing homes; Suffering