Care dependency in geriatric patients undergoing surgical interventions: analysis of contributing factors

SUMMARY

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to determine the care dependency levels of geriatric patients undergoing surgical interventions.

METHODS:  The study included patients aged 65 years and older who underwent surgery in the surgical clinics of a research and training hospital. The sample consisted of 150 patients (75 males and 75 females). Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Care Dependency Scale during the postoperative period.

RESULTS:  The majority of the patients (70.7%) were aged 65–74 years, while 21.3% were aged 75–84 years, and 8% were aged 85 years or older. The mean age was 72.26±7.17 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.35±5.86 kg/m². The average hospital stay was 13.71±18.16 days. Chronic diseases were present in 86% of the patients, with hypertension (78.7%) being the most common. The mean Care Dependency Scale score was 56.02±16.98. Care dependency levels were not significantly affected by alcohol use, chronic disease status, surgical history, body mass index, or hospitalization duration. However, care dependency levels varied significantly by age, sex, education level, marital status, employment status, and smoking habits.

CONCLUSION:  An association was observed between increased age and higher care dependency levels. Additionally, female sex, lower education levels, being single, and hospitalization in neurosurgery or orthopedic clinics were associated with higher care dependency. Age-related biopsychosocial changes affect care dependency before and after surgery. Therefore, healthcare professionals—especially nurses—should adopt a holistic approach in providing geriatric care.

KEYWORDS:
Aged; Dependency; Psychological; Patient care; Surgery