The Impact of Altitude on Sleep Quality, Daily Living Activities, and Quality of Life in Elderly Residents of Turkish Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Aim: This study aims to assess the influence of altitude on sleep quality, daily living activities, and quality of life among elderly residents in nursing homes located in distinct altitudinal regions within Türkiye. Method: A cross-sectional investigation encompassed 92 voluntary elderly participants residing in nursing homes situated in both the eastern and western regions of Türkiye during the period spanning from July 2020 to January 2021. Cognitive function was evaluated through the Mini Mental State Test (MMST), while the quality of life was gauged using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly Model (WHOQOL-OLD). Daily living activities were quantified via the Barthel Index test, and daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to appraise sleep quality over a one-month period. Statistical analyses entailed Chi-square, Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman tests. Results: The data reveal a statistically significant variance in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores among elderly residents dwelling at distinct altitudes (p < 0.05). The mean PSQI scores of elderly inhabitants in the eastern region were notably higher compared to their counterparts in the western region. Additionally, a statistically significant contrast was discerned in the Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-OLD) among elderly individuals residing at varying altitudes (p < 0.05). The mean WHOQOL-OLD scores for elderly residents in the eastern region were notably lower than those observed in the western region. Conclusion: This study ascertained that elderly residents inhabiting lower-altitude regions experienced superior sleep quality compared to their counterparts in higher-altitude areas.