The effect of acupuncture on improvement of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scores in geriatric patients with insomnia: A randomized, sham-controlled, single-blind clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Life expectancy continues to grow gradually in developed countries up to 120. The elderly often complain of insomnia which is influenced by mental health, physical illness, comorbid diseases, and life satisfaction. Moreover, multi-pathological conditions can occur in geriatric patients over the age of 60 with insomnia. In this case, the drugs used can have unwanted side effects. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of acupuncture with sham on the difference in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores after the 8th session in geriatric patients with insomnia. Methods: This single center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial on geriatric patients who experienced insomnia at the geriatric and acupuncture polyclinic of RSUPN dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo. Thirty-six (36) eligible subjects with consecutive sampling methods were randomly assigned 1:1 into acupuncture and sham groups. PSQI test was conducted at the beginning and end of treatment which will result scores that will be analyzed using the T-Test if they are normally distributed. Otherwise, the Mann-Whitney Test is used. Result: Thirty-four (34) participants completed the trial and two dropped out. Based on the data analysis result, the average of initial PSQI scores between the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups were not significantly different (p=0,488). Meanwhile, the difference in PSQI scores after 8th session in the acupuncture group was greater than sham acupuncture (p=0,013). Conclusion: Based on the study results, it was concluded that acupuncture had a greater PSQI score reduction effect than sham acupuncture in geriatric patients with insomnia.