Spiritual coping strategies and quality of life in older adults who have sustained a hip fracture : a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the relationship between spiritual coping strategies and quality of life in persons with a hip fracture.

Design: A correlational, cross-sectional survey design.

Methods: The total population of Maltese-speaking adults over 65 years (N = 299), with a hip fracture receiving treatment in a public hospital in Malta in 2015, were invited. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and the Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale were used.

Results: A response rate of 51% (n = 147) was achieved. The poorest quality of life

was for the physical and psychological domains. Spiritual coping strategies were as- sociated with better quality of life with the exception of physical quality of life. Non- religious coping strategies were the stronger predictor of quality of life compared

with religious coping strategies. The former predicted physical, psychological, envi- ronmental, social and overall quality of life.

Conclusion: Hip fractures have serious implications on quality of life which could be improved by promoting non-religious spiritual coping strategies.