A Study to Assess The Effectiveness of Family Focused Nursing Interventions on Knowledge and Functional Health Problems among older Adults and Their Caregivers at Selected Rural Community Setting (Part 1)

Abstract

Normal aging brings about certain changes that are both inevitable and irreversible. These changes due to ageing are partially responsible for the increased risk of developing health related problems within the elderly population. With this aim, the study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of family focused nursing interventions on knowledge and functional health problems among older adults and their caregivers at selected rural community setting. Quantitative approach with a Pre Experimental One Group Pre-test Posttest Research Design was used. By using probability simple random sampling technique, 165 older adults and their caregivers were selected from village Madara and Kapoor Pind, Distt. Jalandhar Punjab in the month of August 2023. The data were collected using the performa for selected socio-demographic variables and Modified Fulmer SPICES (Sleep disturbances, Problems with eating, Incontinence, Confusion, Evidence of fall and Skin breakdown) Screening tool among the older adults and Structured Interview Schedule (Checklist) regarding knowledge on Functional Health Problems among caregivers. Findings of the study revealed that maximum 53 (32.1%) of older adults were between age group of 66-70 years, 88 (53.3%) were males, 62 (37.6%) were Muslims, 87 (52.7%) were non vegetarian, maximum 123 (74.5%) were married, 60 (36.4%) had no formal education, 111 (67.3%) of older adults were unemployed, 119 (72.1%) belonged to nuclear family, 139 (84.2%) had 4-5 family members and majority 90 (54.5%)had monthly income between Rs. 20,001/- to 30,000/-. Among caregivers, maximum 53 (32.1%) of caregivers of older adults were between age group of 26-30 years, 90 (54.5%) were males, 107 (64.8%) were graduated and above, 113 (68.5%) were government employees, 90 (54.5%) had monthly income between Rs. 20,001/- to 30,000/-, 90 (54.5%) of caregivers spend 5-6 hours with older adults, and 128 (77.6%) caregivers were unmarried. Among the older adults, the mean pre-test score of the functional health problems was high (98.81±4.528) whereas mean post-test score for the same group was less (84.18±2.823). Calculated paired 't' value (t ( 0.05) = 36.803, <0.001) of experimental group shows highly significant at 0.05 level. Hence, the research hypothesis was accepted. After the administration of family focused nursing intervention among the caregivers, the mean pre-test functional health problems score was less (5.65±3.005) whereas mean post-test functional health problems score for the same group was high (15.1±3.47). Calculated paired 't' value (t ( 0.05) = 26.723, <0.001) shows highly significant at 0.05 level. Hence, the research hypothesis was accepted. There was an association of pre-test functional health problems with the socio-demographic variables among older adults with their socio- demographic variables such as family size. There was no association of pre-test knowledge scores with age, gender, educational status, occupational status, family income per month, duration of time spending with older adults and marital status among the caregivers.