The Association Between Communication Skills and the Mental Health of Elderly Patients’ Hospitalization in the South of Iran Hospitals in 2020

Abstract

Background: Aging is considered a critical period of life, and paying attention to the needs of this stage is a social necessity. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between communication skills and mental health of elderly patients who were hospitalized in the south of Iran hospitals in 2020. Methods: The present study is a descriptive-analytical study conducted on 386 elderly patients. The data of the present study were collected through a three-section questionnaire consists of demographic information, interpersonal communication skills, and mental health. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods, Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression tests in SPSS software version 23 and at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: Elderly patients’ communication skills were assessed at a low level (67.01 ± 7.36). The mean score of total mental health among elderly patients indicated mild symptoms of mental disorders among them (177.84 ± 9.21). A significant association was also found between communication skills and mental health disorders among elderly patients (P < 0.001, r = -0.631). The results of multiple linear regression revealed that the components of understanding the message (P < 0.001), emotional control (P = 0.001), listening (P = 0.001), assertiveness (P = 0.005), and insight (P = 0.006) had a positive and significant impact on the mental health of elderly patients. Conclusions: Owing to the correlation between communication skills and mental health, it is recommended to develop and use supportive programs in the form of elderly health programs in medical centers to improve the mental health status of elderly patients.

Investigation of Correlation between Communication Skills and Self-Reported Elder Mistreatment in Family Abuse

“…In this study, there was a significant correlation between communication skills of the elderly with age and marital status. In relation to age, the results of this study are consistent with those of Yusefi et al, 14 Mojadam et al, 13 and Shakerinia. 33 In other words, the communication skills of the elderly decrease as their age progresses.…”

“…15 In relation to the marital status, the present study showed that married elderly have better communication skills than those who have lost their spouses. The results of our research are in line with the findings of Yusefi et al 14 and Qolizadeh et al 35 but not with the study of Ebadi 36 and Khatib Zanjani and Moharreri. 18 This inconsistency can be related to the difference in research units as well as the measurement tools.…”

“…In this study, no significant relationship was observed between communication skills of the elderly and gender, education level, and income. Regarding gender, our results are in line with the study of Khatib Zanjani and Moharreri 18 and Gheirati et al 37 The findings of the present study are not in line with those of Yusefi et al, 14 Mojadam et al, 13 and Zhou et al 38 The reason for this difference could be difference in cultural conditions, research units, and measurement instruments. Also, in Mojadam et al's study, the number of men is higher (79.3%); therefore, men's skills have been higher than those of women.…”

“…The increase in the number of elderly people leads to the growth of their problems, and identifying the real needs of seniors helps planners to take appropriate actions for their requirements, including communication skills. 13,14 Some of these communication skills fade away with increasing age, physical problems and disabilities, as well as staying away from the society. 15 Communication skills or interaction with others is one of the most important and valuable components of every person's life, which has received attention in recent years 16 so that it is a basic and challenging concern for success in human life.…”

“…The increase in the number of elderly people leads to the growth of their problems, and identifying the real needs of seniors helps planners to take appropriate actions for their requirements, including communication skills. 13 14 Some of these communication skills fade away with increasing age, physical problems and disabilities, as well as staying away from the society. 15 …”