PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to find out the quality of life and to identify the related characteristics for nursing care in pneumconiosis elderly patients. METHODS: The subjects for this study were 206 elderly patients who received pneumoconiosis treatment in the two pneumoconiosis specialized hospitals located in Gangwondo, Korea. The instrument used for this study was Quality of Life Index Pulmonary version III. The data was collected from February 17 to March 10, 2003, and analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Duncan test using SPSS. RESULTS: The results of this study were as follows : 1. The highest frequency in chief complaints was dyspnea, 91 subjects(44.2%), and complications was tuberculosis, 88 subjects (42.7%). 2. The total mean score of the level of quality of life was 14.49+/-2.18. 3. The score of quality of life showed higher in good family relationship group than the other after diagnosed pneumoconisis(F=5.486, P=0.001). 4. The comparison of quality of life was significant according to oxygen use(t=2.674, P=0.008), bronchodilators use(t=2.678, P=0.008), and prospect of future health status concerning pneumoconiosis(F=2.960, P=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, adequate nursing intervention as effective management of respiratory symptoms and improvement of family support will be needed to improve the quality of life in pneumoconiosis elderly patients.
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