The Determination of Spiritual Needs in Elderly, Hospitalised and Muslim Patients

Abstract

Background: Spiritual concerns are especially important for older people and those faced with their own mortality. This study was conducted to determine the spiritual needs and level of satisfaction of hospitalised patients aged ＞ 75 years. Methods: This descriptive study included patients aged ＞ 75 years who were hospitalised in eastern cities of Turkey. Data including socio-demographic variables and spiritual needs were collected on questionnaires. The results were presented as frequency and standard deviation. Results: The patients comprised 53.8% females and 46.2% males with a mean age of 79.5 ± 0.3 years, and 81.2% were illiterate. In respect of daily living activities, 18.8% were interdependent for bathing, and the interdependent rate was high for instrumental activities. The spiritual needs of the patients were defined as praying (96.3%), reading religious texts (96.3%), attending religious services (95.0%) and being together with family (91.3%). The rate of spiritual needs was determined to be high. Conclusion: When it is considered that spirituality has a positive effect on the life hope of patients, spiritual care is more valuable than many medical interventions for elderly and terminally ill patients. Education and awareness of health professionals is important. Arrangements should be made in hospitals for the spiritual needs of patients to be met. Finally, more comprehensive studies are needed to examine spiritual care and effects.