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Biomedical subjects

K L Riffle

Publications and source records attributed to K L Riffle.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Health-promoting behaviors, perceived social support, and self-reported health of Appalachian elderly.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the relationships among health-promoting behaviors, perceived social support, and self-reported health of 113 persons age 55 years and over, who were attending nutrition sites in northern West Virginia. Three hypotheses were formulated: (1) health-promoting behaviors are positively related to perceived social support; (2) health-promoting behaviors are positively related to self-reported health, and (3) perceived social support is positively related to self-reported health. Only the first two were supported by our findings. Data analysis revealed positive correlations between the average health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP) score and education, and frequency of attending the nutrition site screening clinics for high blood pressure and diabetes. Better-educated subjects scored higher on selected subscales of the HPLP (self-actualization and health responsibility). Age was negatively correlated with the HPLP subscales of health responsibility and exercise. Nurses and support personnel at nutrition sites should focus increased attention on the older participants and those who are less well-educated. Expanding the variety and frequency of health services available to nutrition site participants merits attention.

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PubMed1989

Stress--nurses dealing with family members.

Family caregivers directly care for the older family member, and network with other family members and health and community agencies. Factors contributing to caregivers' stress include impaired family relationships, depression and chronic health problems, lack of preparation, lack of personal time, and moderate support and respite services. The role of the nurse in health promotion includes values clarification, goal setting, decision making, planning behavior change, and social support building. Support programs may include the conceptualization of support as varying in duration and intensity.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Support for caregivers of dependent elderly. A support group can help a dependent elderly person by helping a caregiver overcome feelings of social isolation.

The sharing of feelings and the sense of affiliation with and support from others was felt to be the most beneficial aspect of the group participation. Emotions described by participants included revitalization, dissipation of tension and guilt, and a renewal of their sense of identity. Attendance at the group created a social outlet that helped several members feel more socially integrated. Participants began to understand that appropriate attention to their own needs improved their outlooks and brought new energy to their role as caregivers. Nurses planning to study the impact of support groups should consider using a research design, a longitudinal design, to examine changes in caregiver stress occurring with alterations in the care receiver's illness, and to address the economic impact of support groups in reducing health care cost.

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