The Impact of Chronic Illness on Patients

摘要

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of chronic illness on patients in relation to its physical, psychological, and social effects, and its effects on activities of daily living. A structured questionnaire was used to interview 177 patients. Chronic illness had the greatest effect on psychological functioning, followed by physical and social functioning. The least affected aspects of a patient's functioning were related to performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Results indicated that the diagnosis, duration of disease, and developmental stage of the patient's children were useful in predicting the impact of a chronic illness on a patient's physical functioning. Diagnosis, duration of disease, and economic status had a significant impact on a patient's psychological functioning. Diagnosis, duration of disease, age, sex, occupation, education, and marital and economic status were important factors relative to social functioning. Diagnosis, age, marital status, the developmental stage of the children, and the primary caregiver were the most important factors related to the effects of chronic illness on ADLs. The results of the study serve as a guide for a comprehensive assessment of chronically ill patients.