Examining the Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being of Older Adult Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Turkey.

Abstract

This study examined the psychological well-being (PWB) and spiritual well-being (SWB) of older adult individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who experienced the difficulties of both aging and RA. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in two centers located in the capital city of Turkey. A total of 136 individuals with a diagnosis of RA who met the inclusion criteria constituted the sample group of the study. Participant Information Form, SWB, and PWB Scales were used for data collection. The results showed that participants' PWB score was positively and significantly difference with marital status, presence of children, and regular participation in social activities. It was concluded that pain severity was not significantly difference with PWB and SWB. However, there was a significant negative correlation between PWB score and total SWB score and its two sub-dimensions, transcendence and anomie. Results emphasize the necessity of supportive interventions to increase psychological and spiritual well-being of older adult individuals with RA.