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Sense of coherence and health of community-dwelling older adults in Spain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2014

Rebecca E. Giglio ,
Carmen Rodriguez-Blazquez ,
Jesús de Pedro-Cuesta  and
Maria João Forjaz
Rebecca E. Giglio
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, USA
Carmen Rodriguez-Blazquez*
Affiliation:
National Center of Epidemiology and CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
Jesús de Pedro-Cuesta
Affiliation:
National Center of Epidemiology and CIBERNED, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
Maria João Forjaz
Affiliation:
National School of Public Health and REDISSEC, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Carmen Rodriguez-Blazquez, National Center of Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain. Phone: +34-9-18222657. Email: crodb@isciii.es.
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Abstract

Background:

In light of the demographic aging trend in Europe, investigation into successful aging is a public health priority. This paper describes the sense of coherence (SOC) of a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Spain and analyzes the relationship between SOC and both health and sociodemographic variables. SOC measures the extent to which an individual conceptualizes the world as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. Strong SOC may promote good health.

Methods:

The study followed a cross-sectional design involving a nationally representative sample of 1,106 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older in Spain. The sample was collected by geographically based proportional stratified sampling. Results are based on responses to a questionnaire requesting sociodemographic information and including the following validated scales: SOC, Barthel index (BI), functional independence scale (FIS), personal wellbeing index (PWI), EQ-5D dimensions (mobility, personal care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression), and the depression subscale of the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-D). A multivariate linear regression model analyzed determinants of SOC.

Results:

Personal wellbeing (b = −0.32), depression (b = 0.26), and educational level (b = −0.06) were significant determinants of SOC. Lower SOC was associated with problems in all EQ-5D dimensions and moderate/severe disability as measured by the BI.

Conclusions:

SOC in older adults is related to functional status, mental health status, personal wellbeing, and educational level. Public health initiatives should work to reduce the psychological and physiological impact of aging by focusing on the conditions that facilitate the coping of older adults.

Keywords

sense of coherenceolder adultsdepressionfunctional statuspersonal wellbeing
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 27 , Issue 4 , April 2015 , pp. 621 - 628
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014 

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