Psihosocijalne odrednice zdravstvene kvalitete života hrvatskih branitelja

master's thesis

• Title (english): Psychosocial indicators of health-related quality of life of Croatian war veterans
• Author: Antonia Burčul
• Mentor: Lovorka Brajković (mentor)
• Committee member: Vanja Kopilaš (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Dora Korać (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Lovorka Brajković (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Croatian Studies; (Department of Psychology); Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2025-02-19, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: SOCIAL SCIENCES; Psychology

Abstract

Zbog povećane izloženosti kroničnim zdravstvenim problemima, ključno je proučavanje čimbenika koji utječu na zdravstvenu kvalitetu života hrvatskih branitelja. Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati povezanost te utvrditi doprinos psihološke otpornosti, usamljenosti, kvalitete obiteljskog funkcioniranja i depresivnosti u objašnjenju zdravstvene kvalitete života. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 126 branitelja, od kojih su 83,3% muškarci, dok 28,6% ima dijagnozu PTSP-a, a čak 82,5% ne traži psihološku ili psihijatrijsku pomoć. Za mjerenje varijabli korišteni su standardizirani instrumenti: SF-36 za procjenu zdravstvene kvalitete života, Kratka skala otpornosti, UCLA skala usamljenosti, DASS skala za depresiju, anksioznost i stres te Skala kvalitete obiteljskog funkcioniranja. Podaci su prikupljeni metodom papir-olovka putem braniteljskih udruga, uz tehniku snježne grude. Rezultati ukazuju na negativnu povezanost usamljenosti i depresije sa zdravstvenom kvalitetom života, dok je otpornost značajno pozitivno povezana. Kvaliteta obiteljskog funkcioniranja ima nižu povezanost, a ističe se skladnost koja je povezana s boljim mentalnim zdravljem. U svrhu ispitivanja doprinosa psihosocijalnih odrednica, provedena je hijerarhijska regresija na svih
osam subskala zdravstvene kvalitete života. Depresija se ističe kao najsnažniji prediktor, posebno u domenama mentalnog zdravlja i vitalnosti, dok otpornost pridonosi objašnjenju osjećaja boli i mentalnog zdravlja. Kvaliteta obiteljskog funkcioniranja ima slabiji, ali pozitivan utjecaj, posebice kroz Skladnost i Konflikt. Zaključno, istraživanje ističe važnost psihosocijalne podrške i preventivnih programa za jačanje otpornosti i smanjenje depresije među braniteljima kako bi se unaprijedila njihova zdravstvena kvaliteta života.

Abstract (english)

Due to increased exposure to chronic health problems, studying the factors influencing the health-related quality of life of Croatian war veterans is crucial. The aim of the research was to examine the correlations and determine the contribution of psychological resilience, loneliness, family functioning quality, and depression in explaining health-related quality of
life. The study included a sample of 126 veterans, of whom 83.3% were men, 28.6% had a PTSD diagnosis, and 82.5% reported not seeking psychological or psychiatric help. Standardized instruments were used: the SF-36 for assessing health-related quality of life, the Brief Resilience Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the DASS for depression, anxiety, and stress, and the Family Functioning Quality Scale. Data were collected via a paper-pencil method through veterans' associations using a snowball sampling technique. The results indicate a negative association of loneliness and depression with health-related quality of life, while resilience plays a potentially protective role. Family functioning quality showed a lower correlation, with harmony being particularly associated with better mental health. To explore the contributions of psychosocial determinants, hierarchical regression was performed on all eight subscales of health-related quality of life. Depression emerged as the strongest predictor, especially in the domains of mental health and vitality, while resilience contributed to explaining pain and mental health. Family functioning quality had a weaker but positive influence, particularly through Harmony and Conflict. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of psychosocial support and preventive programs aimed at strengthening resilience and reducing depression among veterans to improve their health-related quality of life.

• Keywords: zdravstvena kvaliteta života; depresija; psihološka otpornost; usamljenost; kvaliteta obiteljskog funkcioniranja; hrvatski branitelji
• Keywords (english): health-related quality of life; depression; psychological resilience; loneliness; family functioning quality; Croatian war veterans
• Language: croatian
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:111:852333
• Study programme: Title: Psychology (Single Major, Science Stream); Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: sveučilišni/a magistar/magistra psihologije (sveučilišni/a magistar/magistra psihologije)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2025-03-13 13:18:40