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Contextual factors associated with disturbing behaviors in institutionalized elders
A Kolanowski1, S Hurwitz, L A Taylor
1Wilkes University, Department of Nursing, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Nursing Research
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This study examined disturbing behaviors in nursing home residents, identifying three key factors: agitation, aggression, and communication difficulty. Staff mix significantly impacted these behaviors, offering insights for improved elder care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Nursing Home Care
Background:
- Disturbing behaviors are prevalent in institutionalized elders.
- Understanding environmental and personal factors influencing these behaviors is crucial for improving quality of life in long-term care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine disturbing behaviors in institutionalized elders.
- To identify environmental and personal characteristics related to these behaviors.
- To analyze the influence of staff education and consultation on restraint reduction.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal clinical trial data from 586 nursing home residents.
- Factor analysis of the Psychogeriatric Dependency Rating Scale to identify behavioral factors.
- Application of Kayser-Jones's model to explain behavioral variance.
Main Results:
- Three factors emerged: Agitated Psychomotor Behaviors, Aggressive Interpersonal Communication, and Expressive Difficulty, explaining 35% of the variance.
- Kayser-Jones's model partially explained Agitated Psychomotor Behavior (R2 = .22).
- Staff mix, an organizational variable, significantly increased explained variance beyond personal variables.
Conclusions:
- Disturbing behaviors in nursing home residents can be categorized into distinct factors.
- Environmental and organizational factors, particularly staff mix, play a significant role in explaining these behaviors.
- Findings support the need for interventions addressing both personal and organizational aspects to manage disturbing behaviors in elder care settings.