Klappa S1,2, Chapman S1, Fadl G1, Rykaczewski M1, Stangl J1, Blatt S3, Thompson J4
1Briar Cliff University, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Sioux City, United States, 2University of North Georgia, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Dahlonega, United States, 3Independent Practitioner, Physical Therapy, Howell, United States, 4University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Belton, United States
Background: Duckworth defines grit as perseverance and long-term focus on goals. Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) can be a devastating event influencing quality of life. How do individuals move on with life once diagnosed with PD? No studies have investigated levels of grit among individuals diagnosed with PD. How does grit correlate to quality of life in individuals who have been diagnosed with PD?
Purpose: The purpose of our study is to investigate how grit level may influence quality of life among individuals diagnosed with PD. Our research questions were: 1) What are the grit levels among individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease? 2) Do higher levels of grit influence QOL for individuals diagnosed with PD?
Methods: Mixed methods were used to answer questions regarding grit and QOL using the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQL) scale among individuals diagnosed with PD. Phase I included a survey on grit and quality of life. Phase II involved phenomenological interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS 25. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using a descriptive approach described by Giorgi and Dahlberg, Drew, and Nyström.
Results: Among participants diagnosed with PD (n=101), grit values averaged 3.65 + 0.61 while grit for caregivers was 3.72 + 0.53 (n=24). Mean grit values for males (n=51) with PD (3.73 + 0.54) were higher than for females (n=50) with PD (3.59 + 0.46). Mean value for QOL on the PDQL was 3.41 + 0.66. Parkinsonian symptoms (3.46 + 0.68), Systemic symptoms (3.23 + 0.680, Social (3.49 + 0.87), and Emotional aspects (3.56 + 0.73). Males scored higher than females on all aspects of the PDQL. For individuals with PD, overall quality of life measured by the PDQL was negatively correlated with years lived with the diagnosis of PD (r = -.338, p 0.001). For persons diagnosed with PD, Grit was positively correlated to QOL as measured by the PDQL (r = +.293, p = 0.004). Grit was positively correlated to the emotional component of the PDQL (r = +.462, p 0.001). Grit was correlated to the subscales of Parkinsonian symptoms (r = +.210, p 0.05) and systemic symptoms (r = +.250, p 0.05). Cronbach alpha for the grit scale for individuals with PD was .752 (n = 94). Qualitative analysis revealed that participants with PD described accomplishments achieved and challenges faced post diagnosis. Support from others and a creative mindset were crucial in redefining life roles.
Conclusion(s): Grit is a measure of a person's own strategies for dealing with challenges and overcoming obstacles. Understanding components of grit and quality of life among individuals diagnosed with PD, helps us better understand and predict strategies to redefine life roles.
Implications: Our research may inform PT programs, organizations, and health care systems on grit and quality of life among individuals diagnosed with PD and the caregivers to provide optimal care.
Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Grit, Quality of Life
Funding acknowledgements: There was no funding for this project.
Purpose: The purpose of our study is to investigate how grit level may influence quality of life among individuals diagnosed with PD. Our research questions were: 1) What are the grit levels among individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease? 2) Do higher levels of grit influence QOL for individuals diagnosed with PD?
Methods: Mixed methods were used to answer questions regarding grit and QOL using the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQL) scale among individuals diagnosed with PD. Phase I included a survey on grit and quality of life. Phase II involved phenomenological interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS 25. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using a descriptive approach described by Giorgi and Dahlberg, Drew, and Nyström.
Results: Among participants diagnosed with PD (n=101), grit values averaged 3.65 + 0.61 while grit for caregivers was 3.72 + 0.53 (n=24). Mean grit values for males (n=51) with PD (3.73 + 0.54) were higher than for females (n=50) with PD (3.59 + 0.46). Mean value for QOL on the PDQL was 3.41 + 0.66. Parkinsonian symptoms (3.46 + 0.68), Systemic symptoms (3.23 + 0.680, Social (3.49 + 0.87), and Emotional aspects (3.56 + 0.73). Males scored higher than females on all aspects of the PDQL. For individuals with PD, overall quality of life measured by the PDQL was negatively correlated with years lived with the diagnosis of PD (r = -.338, p 0.001). For persons diagnosed with PD, Grit was positively correlated to QOL as measured by the PDQL (r = +.293, p = 0.004). Grit was positively correlated to the emotional component of the PDQL (r = +.462, p 0.001). Grit was correlated to the subscales of Parkinsonian symptoms (r = +.210, p 0.05) and systemic symptoms (r = +.250, p 0.05). Cronbach alpha for the grit scale for individuals with PD was .752 (n = 94). Qualitative analysis revealed that participants with PD described accomplishments achieved and challenges faced post diagnosis. Support from others and a creative mindset were crucial in redefining life roles.
Conclusion(s): Grit is a measure of a person's own strategies for dealing with challenges and overcoming obstacles. Understanding components of grit and quality of life among individuals diagnosed with PD, helps us better understand and predict strategies to redefine life roles.
Implications: Our research may inform PT programs, organizations, and health care systems on grit and quality of life among individuals diagnosed with PD and the caregivers to provide optimal care.
Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Grit, Quality of Life
Funding acknowledgements: There was no funding for this project.
Topic: Neurology: Parkinson's disease; Older people; Mental health
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Briar Cliff University
Ethics committee: Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Ethics number: Briar Cliff University IRB granted expedited approval #0011-2018
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
