Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

DNP Project

College

School of Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Grace Chi

Second Advisor

Rosamond C. Soanes

Abstract

Background

In the United States, there is a growing number of seniors who frequently present with increased risk for reduced hope and quality of life (QOL). Quality of life in the senior population is a world-wide concern and it is believed to be directly associated with their well-being. Senior people living alone experience a higher degree of depression, reduced hope, isolation, falls, and increased mortality. The literature indicates that there is a significant relationship between the level of hope and QOL. Hope is an inner source that plays a vital part in how an individual think and behaves. Hope shapes people's behavior and empowers them to have a positive outlook towards life. Hope builds new opportunities and fills people with strength and satisfaction. The use of non-pharmacological interventions such as Hope Intervention have a positive effect on hope levels and QOL. Healthcare professionals play an important part in enhancing hopefulness.

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of living alone on senior people and offer them a guided hope intervention program (HIP) over an eight-week period. The effects of HIP were measured on hope and the quality of life in senior people who lived alone.

Method

This was an experimental study conducted in-person, with pre- and post-test interventions in experimental and control groups. The study participants were selected through a convenience sample. A final total of 23 participants completed the study. There were 11 participants in the experimental group and 12 participants in the control group. participants Herth Hope Index (HHI) and Older People Quality of Life (OPQOL) surveys were used to assess participants' level of hope and QOL before and after the HIP. Two independent sample t-tests and mixed model ANOVA were utilized to analyze hope and QOL between two groups, before and after the intervention. A Spearman correlation was performed to evaluate the strength of the relationship between hope and quality of life.

Results

Independent sample t-tests conducted to examine for pre-test and post-test differences between experimental and control groups showed no statistical significance for hope and QOL. Mixed model ANOVA for hope showed no significant findings. There was an increase in mean hope scores for the experimental group before and after the interventions, but it was not statistically significant. Spearman correlations conducted to analyze the strength of the relationship between hope and QOL depicted positive associations between hope and QOL.

Conclusion

This project was conducted, through meaningful activities, during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to assess the effects of HIP and to improve the level of hope and QOL in senior people who lived alone. The data demonstrated a statistical insignificance in improving hope and QOL after the intervention, but it had positive influence on the participants. Health care providers should be able to utilize the hope intervention to enhance hope in individuals in all health care settings.

Subject Area

Older people--Health and hygiene; Old age; Living alone; Quality of life; Geriatric nursing; Gerontology

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.32597/dnp/18/

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