The Influence of Health Education on Knowledge about Sleep Hygiene in the Elderly: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are common among older adults and are often associated with inadequate knowledge of sleep hygiene, resulting in poor sleep quality and reduced well-being. This study aimed to determine the effect of health education on knowledge regarding sleep hygiene among elderly individuals in Hamlet III, Selemak Village, Hamparan Perak Subdistrict, Deli Serdang Regency. A quasi-experimental study using a one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted among 40 elderly participants selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of 20 items assessing sleep hygiene knowledge before and after intervention. The intervention consisted of one 45-minute health education session using lectures, discussion, and leaflet media. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Before intervention, knowledge levels were categorized as good (5%), fair (75%), and poor (20%). After intervention, good knowledge increased to 47.5%, while fair knowledge reached 52.5%. Median knowledge scores increased from 11 to 16. Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement after intervention (Z = -4.692; p < 0.001), with a large effect size (r = 0.74). Health education was effective in improving sleep hygiene knowledge among older adults. Routine educational programs are recommended to promote healthy sleep behaviors in the elderly.

Keyword: Health education, Sleep hygiene, Elderly, Knowledge