Self-neglect levels and risk factors in elderly living in nursing homes and at home

Objective: This study aimed to reveal and compare the levels of self-neglect and risk factors in elderly people living in nursing homes and at home. Method: This descriptive comparative type research was conducted with individuals aged 60 and over in three nursing homes (108 participants) and a Family Health Center (FHC) (170 participants) affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services and municipalities in Antalya. Data were collected with sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, self-neglect risk factors questionnaire and Elderly Self-Neglect Screening Scale. The risk factors questionnaire consists of Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment Test, Visual Pain Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Lubben Social Network Scale. Results: The Self-Neglect Screening Scale total score average of elderly was 7.3±2.0 and 55.8% neglected themselves. The average age of the elderly living in nursing homes is higher. The self-neglect score of elderly living at home was significantly lower than those living in nursing homes. In elderly people living in nursing homes, having a weak social network increased self-neglect by 0.79 times and the risk of depression by 3.51 times. Among elderly people living at home, having a low level of education increased self-neglect by 0.35 times, having a weak social network by 0.91 times, having pain by 1.38 times, and having depression by 3.66 times. Conclusion: Elderly living at home neglect themselves more than elderly people in nursing homes. Depression is important risk factor in both groups, social network, education level, presence of pain are also important risk factors for self-neglect. Elderly living at home are at risk for self-neglect, so it is recommended that health professionals conduct self-neglect screening for the elderly in the community. It is necessary to evaluate the presence of depression and social network status and plan the necessary interventions. Key words: elderly, nursing home, home, self-neglect, risk factors