Abstract

This study examined the relation among perceived family support, depression and physical health status in Korean elderly. Participants were three hundred elders attending the house for elderly (NoInGyong) located in kwanak-gu and other 14 gu in Seoul Korea. Data were collected using structured questionnaire via clustered random sampling. The instruments used for this study were the simplified depression scale for elderly designed by Sheikh & Yesavage, the family support scale developed by Choi Young Hee, and the physical health status developed by Choi Young Hee & Jung Seng En. Data analysis included: percentage, average, SD, t-test, ANOVA, & Pearson correlation coefficiency. Participants in this study represented low level of family support but high level of physical health status and depression. There was a significant negative relation between family support and depression(r=-.755, P=.001). There was a significant relation between family support and physical health(r=.329, P=.001). There was a significant negative relation between depression and physical health status(r=-.515, P=.001). Nursing implications were suggested.

Keywords

• Korean elderly;
• Family support;
• Depression;
• Physical health

• 노인;
• 우울;
• 신체적 건강상태;
• 가족지지;