Comparison of sleep quality, pain, physical fitness, balance and quality of life in frail elderly people living in urban and rural areas

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Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi University, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Turkey

Approval Date: 2022

Thesis Language: Turkish

Student: Derya KILIÇMAN

Supervisor: Selda Başar

Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection

Abstract:

This study aimed to compare sleep quality, pain, physical fitness, balance and quality of life in frail elderly individuals living in the city and rural areas. The study was completed with 106 individuals aged 65-85, 53 of whom live in rural areas and 53 live in urban areas. Sleep quality of individuals participating in the study is Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, sleepiness assessment Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale for assessment of fatigue, pain assessment Geriatric Pain Scale and McGill Melzack Pain Scale, physical fitness level Senior Fitness Test Battery, balance assessment Berg Balance Scale, quality of life evaluated with WHOQOL-OLD. In our study, while sleep quality was similar between the groups (p>0,05), it was determined that daytime sleepiness was higher in urban individuals (p<0,05). There was no difference in pain intensity between the groups (p>0,05). It was found that individuals living in rural areas had better results in the sit and stand test, which are among the physical fitness parameters and the 2 minute step test was done (p>0,05). WHOQOL-OLD quality of life scale general score, personality and proximity parameters were similar between the groups (p>0,05), while there was a difference in terms of sensory functions, social participation, past-future and death sub parameters (p<0,05). In the light of this information, in our study, it was determined that living in the city and rural areas made a difference in favor of the frail elderly living in the rural areas, including the sleepiness of the individuals, some parameters of their physical fitness and some aspects of their quality of life. As a result, attempts should be made to increase the physical fitness and quality of life of vulnerable individuals in the city.

Key Words : Rural, urban, frailty, physical fitness