Anxiety and quality of life in residents of a special nursing home

Abstract

AbstractForty residents of a special nursing home in Japan were categorized as low or high anxiety according to the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. Using a Japanese version of the Self‐Rating Depression Scale by Zung (SDS) and the Quality of Life (QOL) rating scale designed by Iida et al. (QOL scale), we compared the QOL and depressive states of the two groups. Although scores in all categories of the modified Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale (a behavioural rating scale) of the two groups, as rated by a skilled nursing staff, did not differ significantly, scores in all categories of the QOL scale and the SDS were significantly higher in the group with high anxiety. Such higher scores indicated a greater impairment. Our results suggest that the QOL in residents with high anxiety was lower than in those with low anxiety, and the QOL of residents of special nursing homes could not be measured by a behavioural rating scale.