Effect of Acupressure on Quality of Life, Sleep Quality, and Hopelessness in Older Adults

Overview

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of acupressure on quality of life, sleep quality, and hopelessness levels in older adults living in a nursing home setting. Aging is associated with decreased sleep quality, reduced life satisfaction, and increased psychological distress, including hopelessness. Non-pharmacological and low-risk interventions are increasingly needed to improve well-being in older populations. In this study, 50 participants aged 65 years and older were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (acupressure) or a control group (no intervention). The intervention group received acupressure applied to Shenmen (HT7), Neiguan (P6), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points three times per week for four weeks. The control group received routine care without additional intervention. Outcomes were measured before and after the intervention using the CASP-19 Quality of Life Scale, the Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The study evaluates whether acupressure can serve as a safe and effective complementary nursing intervention to improve sleep and overall well-being in older adults.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of acupressure on quality of life, sleep quality, and hopelessness among older adults residing in a nursing home. A total of 50 participants aged 65 years and older were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=25) or the control group (n=25) using simple randomization. Eligibility criteria included being 65 years or older, residing in the nursing home, and having the ability to read and understand study materials. Individuals with skin lesions, infection, sensory loss in acupressure areas, or those unwilling to participate were excluded. The intervention group received acupressure applied to bilateral Shenmen (HT7), Neiguan (P6), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points. Each point was stimulated manually for approximately two minutes per session. The intervention was administered three times per week for four consecutive weeks by a trained researcher. The control group received routine institutional care without additional intervention. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. Quality of life was measured using the CASP-19 scale, sleep quality was evaluated using the Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, and hopelessness levels were measured using the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t tests and paired-samples t tests. The study aimed to determine whether acupressure could improve sleep quality and quality of life and reduce hopelessness in older adults. This intervention represents a low-cost, non-invasive complementary nursing approach that may support holistic elderly care.