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Experimental Study of the Effect of Ambient and Water Temperature During Showering on the Feeling of Thermal Comfort of Elderly Men
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Karen Fatahi   , Shiva Shadieh |
| , karenfatahi@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (554 Views) |
Introduction: Aging is associated with decreased physical function and psychological vulnerability. The elderly often require care due to specific physiological conditions. One crucial aspect of care is assisting them with showering, which helps maintain personal hygiene and provides thermal comfort. This study aims to raise awareness among nurses and caregivers regarding optimal ambient and water temperatures during showers to enhance the elderly's sense of thermal comfort.
Methods: This study was conducted in a laboratory setting with a sample of 108 (healthy) men, selected using the convenience sampling method in December 2024. The laboratory environment was set to ambient temperatures of 17°C, 23°C, and 29°C, and water temperatures of 38°C, 40°C, and 42°C. The subjects underwent testing for duration periods of 10 minutes and 20 minutes. The thermal comfort status of the participants was recorded using the American ASHRAE standard questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using a three-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with SPSS 27 software.
Results: The findings indicated that both the ambient temperature factor before showering and the water temperature during showering had a significant relationship with the thermal comfort of the elderly after showering (p<0.001). The duration of showering had no significant relationship with the feeling of thermal comfort of the elderly (p=0.550).
Conclusion: Nurses and caregivers should be aware that maintaining optimal ambient and water temperatures can significantly improve the well-being of the elderly. If the ambient temperature drops below a comfortable range, the water temperature for showers should be set to 4°C higher. This adjustment helps accommodate the thermal and physical sensitivity experienced by elderly individuals after showering.
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| Keywords: Aged, Thermal Comfort, Bathing, Water temperature, Ambient temperature. |
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Full-Text [PDF 542 kb]
(272 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Quantitative-Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/12/9 | Accepted: 2025/01/25 | Published: 2025/01/29
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