Health behaviour, depression and religiosity in older patients admitted to intermediate care

To examine health behaviour, severity of depression, gender differences and religiosity in older patients admitted to intermediate care for further rehabilitation.

Cross-sectional survey.

A research physiotherapist interviewed 173 older patients (113 female), 60 and older consecutively admitted to intermediate care for rehabilitation, usually after acute care.

Religiosity was measured using the Duke University Religion Index, depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and severity of depression measured by the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Physical disability was assessed by the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale and quality of life measured by the SF-36 questionnaire.

After controlling for other factors using multiple regression, religious attendance was associated with positive general health perception (t = 1.9, p = 0.05), and inversely associated with number of pack years smoked (t = -2.05, p = 0.04) and severity of illness (Charlson Index), [t = -2.05, p = 0.04]. Intrinsic religious activity was associated with older age (t = 3.06, p < 0.003), female gender (t = 2.52, p = 0. 01), living situation (t = -2.17, p < 0.03) and with less severe depression (t = -2.43, p = 0.01).

In older patients with chronic diseases in intermediate care, religious attendance was associated with positive perceptions of health, less severe illness, and fewer pack years. Intrinsic religious activities were associated with less severe depression and lower likelihood of living alone.