Clothing and Bedding Practices and Hypothermia Awareness of Elders: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study investigated the clothing and bedding habits and awareness of hypothermia of rural Vermont elders. It also compared the awareness of hypothermia and relevant clothing and bedding habits of elders living in warm (northern Florida) and cold (Vermont) climates. Results showed Vermont elders to have a greater awareness of hypothermia, its definition, and its causes, though less than 10% of either warm or cold climate elders correctly identified symptoms of hypothermia. Florida respondents claimed a greater use of clothing and bedding articles to keep them warm during the day or in bed at night. Vermonters used sweaters during the day and pajamas/gowns and flannel sheets at night to keep warm significantly more than did northern Floridians. Northern Floridians wore socks, slippers, robes, coats, pajamas/gowns, and hats significantly more than Vermonters did to keep warm during the day and socks, underwear, and hats more at night. They also used regular sheets, bedspreads, electric blankets, quilts, and heating pads more than Vermonters did to keep warm in bed. The researchers concluded that both warm and cold climate elders need to be educated about the dangers of hypothermia and about the clothing and bedding practices that prevent its occurrence.