Determinants of Subjective Loneliness and Quality of Life among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of, and relationship between, subjective loneliness, general health and quality of life (QoL) among lonely community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out among a sample of lonely (i.e. live alone without any assistance) older adults living in Gorgan city, Iran. The older adults were invited through a census sampling technique to complete six questionnaires, namely a 20-item UCLA loneliness scale, a six-item Lubben Social Network Scale, a 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, a 17-item Self-care Ability Scale for the Elderly (SASE), a General Health Questionnaire-12, and a Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization and Pleasure (CASP-19) questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were done with subjective loneliness and QoL as outcome variables. In total, 213 (91% females) lonely older adults (mean age: 68.2 ± 6.2) participated. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions yield socio-demographic characteristics ( p < 0.001), predictor group 1 ( p < 0.001), predictor group 2 ( p < 0.001) explained 12.5, 13.5 and 46.6% of the observed variance in loneliness, respectively. Moreover, socio-demographic characteristics ( p < 0.001), predictor group 1 ( p < 0.001), predictor group 2 ( p < 0.001) and feeling of loneliness ( p < 0.001) accounted for 16.9, 21.1, 48.6 and 55.3% of the observed variance in quality of life, respectively. Both subjective loneliness and QoL were moderate in our sample. We suggest the presence of a probable causal inference between subjective loneliness, general health, and QoL; implying the need of population strategies for correcting subjective loneliness for its own sake as well as to help have an improved general health and QoL among older adults. Beside several non-modifiable factors (such as age, ethnic groups), we suggest that corrective measures should be based on social support and networking, self-care behavior, leisure activities, adapted for age, literacy and racial specifications. Given its population health relevance, there should be increased research and intervention on loneliness among older adults.

Effectiveness of an Informal Home Care Support Intervention Program to Reduce Loneliness and Improve Quality of Life among Lonely Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

“…In the first phase of the study (cross-sectional study), 14) the researcher explained the HoSIP to the participants who met the inclusion criteria for the intervention program. Based on the calculated sample size in the protocol article, 27 lonely older adult participants with a 95% confidence interval and 80% power were included in the intervention program, which increased to 32 individuals considering a potential attrition rate of 15%.…”

“…All details related to the questionnaires are reported in the protocol article 13) and the cross-sectional study. 14) These questionnaires were completed by both the intervention and control groups before the start of the intervention program, immediately after the intervention, and at 3 and 6 months post-intervention. The researcher (E.L.) supervised the HoSIP, and two trained research assistants accompanied the researcher in data collection and all procedures related to the HoSIP.…”

Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Institutionalized Elderly: Each Predictors and Both Influences

“…These determinants of QOL in the elderly largely overlap with those of well-being and include demographic characteristics such as age, ethnic background, racial specifications, adaptation to agerelated changes, literacy, feelings of loneliness, and self-care behaviors (Kousha, et al, 2022).…”