THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONENESS AND SLEEP QUALITY IN OLDER ADULTS IN TABRIZ

Poor sleep quality and loneliness in the elderly are associated with many physical
and mental disorders, lead to increased demand of healthcare services. The living environment also
affects these issues. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the association between loneliness and
sleep quality in older adults with a focus on their living environment in Tabriz.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 400 older adults residing
in families or nursing homes in Tabriz, Iran. The participants were selected using a multi-stage random
sampling method. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and loneliness scale were used in
collecting data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the data as well.
Results: The loneliness score in older adults living in families is significantly lower than nursing homes
residents, and the level of sleep quality in older adults living in families is significantly higher that
elderly residents in nursing homes in Tabriz as well (p<0.001). Furthermore, there is a statistically
significant relationship between loneliness and sleep quality in older adults, both residing in families
(p<0.001, r=0.305) and nursing homes (p=0.006, r=0.145) in Tabriz.
Conclusion: According to the Iranian sociocultural context, it is necessary to educate the families to
reconsider their decision about transferring the elderly to nursing homes. In addition, it is recommended
that schedule programs are carefully considered to enhance the quality of environment and welfare
facilities of nursing homes, and resemble the nursing home settings to the family environment as much
as possible, Also, It is necessary to encourage relatives and significant others to have regular
communication with their older adults in nursing homes