Factors predicting Spiritual Well-being among the elderly with Chronic illness in Maeyeang municipality, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to examine factors in the prediction of spiritual well-being among the elderly with chronic illness. A sample of 372 older persons who having chronic illness lived   in Maeyeang municipality, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province during August 2015 to January 2016 were recruited to this study. The seven instruments used to collect data consisted of 1) a questionnaire on personal information 2)  perceived severities of the disease questionnaire 3) Barthel ADL Index 4)  Chula ADL index 5) Social support questionnaire 6) religion practices questionnaire 7)  spiritual well-being questionnaire . The data were analysed using Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis. Results showed that  the subjects 69 % reported high score on spiritual well-being respectively (mean= 132.38, SD= 12.58). Predictors of spiritual well-being in elderly with chronic illness were religion practice (Beta = .33, t = 5.73),     instrumental activities of daily living (Beta = -.24, t = -3.16)    and the severities of the disease (Beta = -.14, t = -2.55). In contrast, the activities of daily living and social support were found incapable of predicting spiritual well-being.

Keywords: spiritual well- being, elderly, chronic illness