OCCUPATIONAL AND ART THERAPY REDUCING DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS LEVELS OF ELDERLY IN NURSING HOME
Ika Subekti Wulandari, Anis Laela Megasari, Wiwin Winarni, Sri Mulyani, Kanthi Suratih, Erindra Budi Cahyanto, Mujahidatul Musfiroh

Sebelas Maret University

Abstract

The elderly are vulnerable group to health, social and economic problems. Decreased physical activity, frequent illness, unfriendly environment and lack of self-confidence cause the elderly to become anxious, stressed and even depressed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Occupational Art therapy on depression, stress and anxiety among elderly in nursing home. This study used a quasi-experimental pre and post test design with control group design. The sample used was 60 respondents divided into intervention and control groups by purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using short version (21 item) of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and analyzed using dependent t-test. The results showed that occupational arts therapy can reduce depression scores with a mean difference of 8.63, 5.54 for anxiety scores and 3.59 for stress scores. Data analysis showed occupational arts therapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression and stress scores (p value 0.000). Occupational and art therapy can be used as complementary therapy in nursing homes to reduce depression, anxiety and stress among elderly

Keywords: Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Elderly.

Topic: Nursing and Midwifery