1Assoc. Prof., Department of Public Health Medicine, Penang Medical College, Penang, Malaysia,
2Senior Principal, Assistant Director of Health (NCDC), Penang Health Department, Penang, Malaysia
Online published on 3 April, 2013.
Lack of sleep has been linked with increased morbidity and mortality.
The objective of this study was to determine the sleep quality of older adults residing in a private elderly care institution in Malaysia.
This cross sectional study was conducted among consenting residents of a non-governmental charity old folks home in Penang, Malaysia. The sleep quality of the respondents was measured using the PSQI. Data was analysed using PASW.
The PSQI score ranged from 0 to 16 with a mean score of 7.1 (SD 3.4). 76.8% (116) had scores ≥5. The differences in the mean score for chronic illness (p=0.04), the people that could be counted on for help (p=0.02) and the feasibility of getting practical help from fellow residents (p=0.01) were statistically significant. Linear regression showed that the quality of sleep is better as the attitude towards ageing (p=0.01) and the quality of life of the respondents are positive (p<0.01).
It is imperative that care givers understand the importance of sleep hygiene in the wellbeing of the residents.
Sleep, Aged, Home For The Aged, Malaysia
