Paper
Friday, July 15, 2005
Geographic and Seasonal Variations in Shower Bath Heat and Humidity: Relationship to Aggressive Behavior Among Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
Ann Whall, RN, PhD, FAAN1, Kathleen B. Colling, RN, PhD2, Gwi-Ryung Son, PhD, RN3, HyoJeong Kim, PhD3, Cornelia Beck, RN, PhD, FAAN4, and Need-Driven Behavior Collaborative Research Group (Ndb-crg)3. (1) School of Nursing, Division of Acute, Critical & Long-term Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, (2) Division of Acute, Critical and Long-term Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, (3) Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, (4) University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Identify geographic and seasonal changes in temperature/humidity during the shower bath for nursing home residents with dementia |
| Learning Objective #2: Identify the relationship between temperature/humidity and aggressive behavior during the shower bath for nursing home residents with dementia |
The Need-driven Dementia-compromised Behavior (NDB) Model posits that temperature and humidity, as proximal variables in the immediate environment, are dynamic situational factors that may account for the occurrence of aggressive behavior (AB) in nursing home residents with dementia (NHRD). The first purpose of the study was to examine geographic and seasonal variations in temperature/humidity during the shower bath for NHRD. The second purpose was to explore the relationship between temperature/humidity and AB during the shower bath for NHRD. The Tandy Indoor Temperature/Humidity Meter was used to measure temperature and humidity every ten minutes during 399 shower baths administered to 226 residents in 26 nursing homes in Michigan and Arkansas. Results showed that the mean bathroom temperature was 24.7°C, with a range of 15 to 32°C. Forty-four percent of the shower baths were between 20 and 24°C, and 1.5% were less than 20°C. Bathroom temperatures in Michigan nursing homes were, on average, 1.4°C warmer than those in Arkansas. Mean humidity during the baths was 50%, with a range of 7 to 83%. Overall, 43% of baths were between 30-50% humidity and 44% were higher than 50% humidity. Fourteen percent of bath humidity was below 30% indicating extreme dryness of the shower environment. Bathroom humidity in Michigan was 6.7% less than in Arkansas. Seasonal differences (Spring, Summer and Fall) were found with higher temperatures in Michigan, and higher humidity (Spring, Fall, and Winter) for Arkansas. Mean bath temperature and humidity for residents with AB was lower, but was not statistically significant. Results suggest that for NHRD, consideration to geographic and seasonal changes in temperature/humidity should be made by caregivers during bathing. Variable temperature and humidity combined with age-related thermoregulator problems may contribute to behavioral issues in bathing.