Correlation between medical coping style and mindfulness level of hospitalized elderly

Abstract Background The mindfulness level of hospitalized elderly is affected by various individual factors. However, little is known regarding the relationship between medical coping styles and mindfulness levels of hospitalized elderly. The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between medical coping style and the mindfulness level of the hospitalized elderly and provide a theoretical basis for improving the mindfulness level of the hospitalized elderly. Methods A survey of 253 elderly patients was conducted in the Department of Geriatrics of a 3A hospital in Tangshan from September to November 2022 using the General Questionnaire, Medical Coping Style Questionnaire (MCMQ), and Mindfulness-Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results The average mindfulness level score of the hospitalized elderly was (59.71 ± 13.90), with a scoring rate of 66.34%, at a moderate mindfulness level. This study results revealed a positive correlation between confrontation coping and the average score of mindfulness level (r = 0.725, P < 0.05); a negative correlation between avoidance coping and the average score of mindfulness level (r = -0.604, P < 0.05); and a negative correlation between acceptance-resignation coping and the average score of mindfulness level (r = -0.800, P < 0.05). Conclusion The mindfulness level of the hospitalized elderly must be improved, their coping styles are closely related to their mindfulness level, and positive coping styles can help improve the mindfulness level of the hospitalized elderly. This study suggested that medical staff can formulate targeted intervention measures, guide patients to establish positive coping styles, and improve the mindfulness level of hospitalized elderly people.