The comparison of quality of sleep, pain, fatigue, and physical fitness levels in elderly individuals who living in rest home or at home

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of sleep, pain, fatigue, and physical fitness levels in elderly individuals who live in rest home or at home and determine the relationship between the variables. A total of 140 individuals, aged between 65-85 years, Standardized Mini Mental State Test score of 24 and above, 70 individuals living in a rest home and 70 elderly living in their own homes participated in the study. The sleep quality of the elderly individuals was evaluated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), daytime sleepiness with Epworth Sleepiness Questionnaire (ESQ), pain level with Geriatric Pain Scale (GPS), fatigue severity and the effects of daily life with Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS). The physical fitness level was assessed by Senior Fitness Test. The age, education level, smoking status and exercise habits were similar in both groups (p>0,05). The presence of chronic disease, history of fall and drug use were found higher in the rest home group (p<0.05). In our study, it was determined that the PSQI and ESQ values were higher in the elderly living at home (p<0.05). The GPS, FSS, the subscales and the total score of FIS were found higher in rest home group (p<0.05). In our study, it was found that there was a significant difference between the groups in all test values except the chair stand test, back scratch test and body mass index (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between PSQI and only ESQ in the correlation analysis (r=0.673, p<0.05). On the other hand, significant relationships were found between ESQ, GPS, FSS, FIS and two-min step test (r=0.437; r=0.402; r=0.413; r=-0.226, p<0.05). As a result; it was found that sleep quality and physical fitness were affected negatively in the elderly people living at home, while the elderly living in the rest home were more affected pain and fatigue. In addition, sleep quality did not affect fatigue, pain and physical fitness however, daytime sleepiness, pain, fatigue, aerobic endurance and balance could be related. An objective assessment of sleep, pain, fatigue and physical fitness levels by taking into consideration the environment in which the elderly live is important for planning appropriate interventions to maintain and improve health status.