Hope level and its associated factors among widowed older adults in long-term care facilities

Abstract Background To investigate the hope level and identify its associated factors among widowed older adults residing in long-term care facilities. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling. 228 widowed older adults meeting inclusion criteria were recruited from several long-term care facilities in Liaoning Province for face-to-face questionnaire surveys. Results The hope level average score among widowed older adults in long-term care facilities was (31.73 ± 3.31). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that nine factors were significantly associated with hope levels: educational level, duration of widowhood, frequency of children’s visits, pension income, number of chronic diseases, frequency of participation in recreational activities, medical payment method, evaluation of the long-term care facility, and total perceived social support score. These factors collectively explained 81.4% of the variance in hope levels (Adjusted R² = 0.814, F = 96.027, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope levels among widowed older adults in long-term care facilities were at a moderate-low level. Nursing staff and facility administrators should pay attention to the hope levels of these residents and implement targeted interventions based on the identified associated factors to enhance hope levels and consequently improve their quality of life.