Are Older Adults Prepared to Respond to Disasters? A Randomized Controlled Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Psychological First Aid on Dignity-Related Distress, Social Frailty, and Psychological Resilience Among Institutionalized Elders
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 80
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Psychological Resilience Evaluation Scale
研究概览
简要总结
The rapid increase in the global aging population has drawn attention to the unique challenges faced by institutionalized elders. These individuals often contend with various forms of psychosocial stress, including dignity-related distress, social frailty, and reduced psychological resilience. Dignity-related distress, characterized by feelings of worthlessness or loss of respect, significantly impacts mental health and quality of life among older adults, especially those in long-term care facilities. Similarly, social frailty-marked by diminished social networks and weakened interpersonal interactions-further exacerbates their vulnerability to loneliness and mental health disorders. Enhancing psychological resilience, or the capacity to adapt to adversity, is therefore critical to improving their overall well-being.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a structured intervention designed to provide immediate support and foster adaptive coping strategies during crises. While PFA has been widely implemented in disaster and emergency contexts, its application in addressing the psychosocial needs of institutionalized elders remains underexplored. Given its focus on promoting safety, comfort, and connectedness, PFA may hold potential for mitigating dignity-related distress, strengthening social bonds, and enhancing psychological resilience among this vulnerable population.
This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of PFA in alleviating dignity-related distress, reducing social frailty, and bolstering psychological resilience among institutionalized elders. By addressing these intertwined psychosocial factors, the research aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in care settings
详细描述
The study addresses critical aspects of elderly care, particularly for those in institutional settings. Institutionalized elders often face challenges such as diminished dignity, social isolation, and reduced resilience, which can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being. By evaluating the role of Psychological First Aid (PFA), a practical and empathetic intervention designed to provide immediate emotional support, the study explores its potential to alleviate dignity-related distress, mitigate social frailty, and enhance psychological resilience. The findings have important implications for improving the quality of life for institutionalized elders by promoting a sense of self-worth, strengthening social connections, and fostering adaptability to life's challenges, ultimately contributing to a more holistic approach to elder care.As well, this study involved an innovative application of the psychological first aid interventions. While PFA has been widely used in disaster response and emergency settings, its application in addressing the day-to-day struggles of institutionalized elders is novel. The study expands the scope of PFA, demonstrating its adaptability and potential for broader usage in healthcare and social care settings. The findings of this study could influence policies and practices in eldercare by advocating for the integration of PFA into standard care protocols. It highlights the need for training caregivers in PFA to improve the holistic care of institutionalized elders. In general, the study adds to the growing body of gerontological research, offering evidence-based strategies to address the complex psychological and social needs of the aging population in institutional settings.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Supportive Care
- 盲法
- None
盲法说明
NO masking
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 60 Years 至 —（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Aged 60 years or older.
- •Recently retired, within a maximum of one month from job cessation.
- •Capable of meaningful and clear communication.
- •Provide signed informed consent to participate.
排除标准
- •Participation in psychological treatments
- •Inability to complete assigned homework
- •Unwillingness to continue studying
- •Logistical challenges such as poor internet connectivity during online sessions.
研究组 & 干预措施
Control group
standard care
Psychological First Aid Intervention
Psychological First Aid Intervention
干预措施: Psychological First Aid Intervention (Behavioral)
结局指标
主要结局
Psychological Resilience Evaluation Scale
时间窗: at baseline assessment before the start of the program and at 3 months immediately after the completion of the study
The Resilience Evaluation Scale (RES) consists of 9 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (completely disagree) to 4 (completely agree). Participants assess the extent to which they agree with statements about how they "typically respond to challenging situations." the scale's original authors identified a two-factor structure: self-efficacy, which includes items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 (subscale range: 0-24), and self-confidence, comprising items 1, 7, and 9 (subscale range: 0-12).
次要结局
- Patient Dignity Inventory(at baseline assessment before the start of the program and at 3 months immediately after the completion of the study)
- Social Frailty Index (SFI)(at baseline assessment before the start of the program and at 3 months immediately after the completion of the study)
研究者
Mahmoud Ahmed Ahmed Ahmed Elsheikh
Lecturer, Faulty of Nursing
Cairo University