Relationship between physical and mental health and self-control of elderly people in nursing home

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between self-control ability and physical and mental health of the elderly people in nursing home. Methods 183 elderly people from three nursing homes were investigated using self control measurement method of dual system scale and World Health Survey. The individuals were divided into high control low impulsiveness group(n=51), high control high impulsiveness group(n=36), low control low impulsiveness group(n=27) and low control impulse group(n=69). Results The total score of physical and mental health for elderly people in nursing homes was (1.76±0.46), while the scores of body health, mental health and overall self evaluation were (1.84±0.56), (1.66±0.42) and (2.93±0.72). The scores of physical health and mental health for elderly people in nursing homes of impulse and control system for elderly people in nursing homes were (2.98±0.63) and (3.35±0.59). The scores of physical health(r=0.15), mental health(r=0.29) and overall self evaluation(r=0.31)were positively correlated with impulse system, and negatively correlated with control system (r=-0.26, -0.33, -0.34, P<0.05). The scores of physical health, mental health and overall self evaluation in four groups were significantly different (F=12.39, 33.82, 21.50, P<0.01). Conclusion The physical and mental health of the elderly people in nursing home is correlated with self-control ability. Key words: The elderly in nursing home; Physical and mental health; Self-control