Factors associated with sleep quality in the elderly receiving chemotherapy

Author(s)

Mansano-Schlosser, Thalyta Cristina ; Ceolim, Maria Filomena

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA LATINO-AMERICANA DE ENFERMAGEM; v. 20, n. 6, p. 9-pg., 2012-11-01.

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the characteristics of sleep and the factors associated with the quality of sleep in elderly patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy treatment. Method: cross-sectional study with 140 elderly patients (51.2% female, average age 69.8 years) with stage III or stage IV cancer (67.9%), undertaken in a university hospital in the state of Sao Paulo in 2010. The following instruments were used: sociodemographic and clinical characterization questionnaire, validated by specialists; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Piper Fatigue Scale-reviewed; and a scale for the subjective measurement of pain. Results: the majority of the elderly (62.9%) had a score compatible with poor sleep quality. On average, the duration of sleep was 388.0 minutes, latency was 44.6 minutes and efficiency of 83.8%. Through multiple logistic regression analysis, an increase of 21% in the probability of having poor sleep quality was observed for each single-point increase in the intensity of the pain. Conclusion: nursing interventions aiming to promote better sleep quality for elderly patients with cancer must include measures for pain control. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/06606-2 - Sleep quality and fatigue in cancer outpatients receiving chemotherapy
• Grantee: Thalyta Cristina Mansano Schlosser
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master