| Abstract: | The prevalence of significant behavioural disturbance in 46 Sydney nursing homes was examined. All 2445 residents were rated on a brief screening questionnaire by senior nurses, who decided that 704 (29%) displayed at least one problem behaviour for much of the time. Primary care nurses (PCNs) then rated these ‘screen-positive’ residents using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). In one nursing home the PCNs rated all 100 residents on the CMAI and found that 24 of 58 ‘screen-negative’ residents displayed CMAI behaviours once daily or more. Of CMAI behaviours rated as occurring daily or more often, 30% were manifested by ‘screen-negative’ residents. Prevalence figures based on ‘screen-positive’ residents are underestimates. Interrater reliability between PCNs was good. We report that at least 3.3% of residnets paced and 0.45% screamed several times an hour. Each of the following behaviours was manifested daily or more often by 10– 15% of the residents: restlessness, pacing, repetitive sentences, constant calls for help, cursing/verbal aggression and complaining. Aggressive behaviours (eg hitting, kicking, biting) were less common, and a relationship to cognitive impairment was demonstrated. Increased research on assessment and management of these behaviours is needed. |
