Comparative research between Australia and Japan: a comparison of the quality of health care in nursing facilities using actigraphy.
OBJECTIVE
Aging in Japan is advancing at a globally unprecedented rate. In Japan, the provision of high quality nursing care for aged people is needed. In the present study, we clarify the effect of different environments and nursing care service on the life rhythm of aged people in Japan and Australia.


METHODS
In Australia, cognitive rehabilitation with activities offered at nursing facilities focuses on resident care needs and the promotion of independence through Diversional Therapy (DT). The participants were nine nursing facility residents in Australia where DT is practiced (ANF). In Japan, 10 nursing facility residents (JNF) and 11 people living independently (JLI). Upon explanation of the research objective to the three groups and obtaining their consent, participants were equipped with wristwatch-style actigraphs that were attached to the non-dominant hand for 3 days. results: The time period of most activity for ANF was 13.00-14.00 hours at 224.6 +/- 75.5 counts/min, which was significantly higher when compared with the 136.8 +/- 63.8 for JNF (P < 0.05). Wake after onset of sleep, defined as minutes awake at night after falling asleep, was 48.8 +/- 40.1 for ANF, 102.2 +/- 82.6 for JNF and 18.5 +/- 11.7 min for JLI. The JNF group was observed to have the longest night wake time (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Employing actigraphs, sleep-wake assessments were conducted on aged people in three different lifestyle environments. This lifestyle difference was clear from the activity rhythm detected. Then, from a comparison of both countries, we were able to offer suggestions on life patterns of aged people brought about by the differences embodied in culture, environment and economic background.
Miyake
Mari
M
Department of Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan. miyakem@takii.kmu.ac.jp
Rock
Anne
A
Tajika
Aran
A
Hozu
Shinichirou
S
Kanda
Seiji
S
Ueda
Teruko
T
Nishiyama
Toshimasa
T
D056044:Actigraphy; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D057173:Recreation Therapy