DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_270_26 ISSN: 2230-8229

Effect of a nurse-led interventional package on quality of life of older adults residing in residential elderly care facilities in Mangalore: A quasi-experimental study

Shreekanth S. Keerthikumara, Shiji P. Jose, Sonia K.L. Sequera, Chetan Naik
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Abstract:

BACKGROUND:

Aging is a universal process accompanied by progressive physical, psychological, and social changes that can compromise independence and quality of life (QOL). Older adults are particularly vulnerable to chronic illness, loneliness, functional decline, and psychosocial difficulties. Institutionalized older adults may experience poorer QOL because of social isolation, limited person-centered care, and inadequate integrated support. This study’s aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Interventional Package (NLIP) on the QOL of older adults living in residential elderly care facilities in Mangalore.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group study was conducted among 80 older adults selected through purposive sampling from two residential care facilities in Mangalore. Participants were allocated into an intervention group ( n = 40) and a control group ( n = 40). The intervention group received the NLIP, comprising structured classical music, gentle range-of-motion exercises, and clay modeling for 60 min daily (20 min per component) over six consecutive days. The control group received routine residential care. QOL was evaluated at baseline and seven days postintervention using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. Statistical analysis included paired t -tests for within-group changes and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) adjusting for baseline pretest scores for between-group comparisons.

RESULTS:

Baseline demographic characteristics and overall QOL scores were comparable between groups. Within-group analyses demonstrated significant pre–post improvements across all QOL domains in the NLIP group ( P < 0.001). Between-group ANCOVA postintervention revealed significant enhancements in the intervention group for psychological ( F = 57.60, P < 0.001, d = 0.72), social ( F = 34.60, P < 0.001, d = 0.65), environmental ( F = 46.00, P < 0.001, d = 0.58), health satisfaction ( F = 61.90, P < 0.001, d = 0.43), and overall QOL ( F = 54.10, P < 0.001, d = 0.58) compared to control.

CONCLUSION:

The NLIP significantly improves the multidimensional quality of life of older adults in residential care facilities. Structured nurse-led nonpharmacological activities should be integrated into routine geriatric nursing protocols.

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