Prevalence of loneliness and association with depressive and anxiety symptoms among retirees in Northcentral Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Igbokwe, Chima C.; Ejeh, Veronica J.; Agbaje, Olaoluwa Samson; Umoke, Prince Ifeanachor Christian; Iweama, Cylia Nkechi; Ozoemena, Eyuche Lawretta

doi:10.1186/s12877-020-01561-4

Cited by 46 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…This finding can be explained by the age of the participants in this study. The age over 75 years old is associated with a higher risk of developing depression [ 73 ]; however, only two study participants were aged over 75. Linnea et al confirmed a lower prevalence of depression among younger elderly (60–66 years old), and its increase with age, notwithstanding the level of severity of depression [ 74 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Enabling Role of ICT to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Emotional and Social Loneliness of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

Barroso

Kolotouchkina

Viniegra

2021

IJERPH

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(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on the elderly owing to their particular vulnerability to the virus. Their confinement to prevent the spread of the virus resulted in social isolation, often linked to the unwanted loneliness that hinders their emotional well-being. The enabling capacity of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to overcome the negative effects of this isolation requires special attention. The purpose of this research is to understand the impact of the use of ICT on the emotional well-being of elderly people during their confinement. (2) Methods: A qualitative exploration method based on four focus groups with elderly people aged 60 years or older and three in-depth personal interviews with experts in education of the elderly were carried out. (3) Results: Research results evidence a negative emotional impact of the confinement (lack of physical contact with their loved ones, fear and uncertainty, feeling of loneliness, sadness at the loss of family members) on the emotional well-being of study participants. Furthermore, the operational capacity of ICT to prevent infection, as well as their positive emotional and humanizing role in providing access to entertainment and hobbies, and in improving self-esteem was also acknowledged. (4) Conclusions: ICT have become a valuable ally for elderly people aged 60 years and older to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness imposed by the confinement.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Enabling Role of ICT to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Emotional and Social Loneliness of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

Barroso

Kolotouchkina

Viniegra

2021

IJERPH

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“…These findings may relate to many factors including differences in social isolation, social support and financial stability ( Cacioppo et al, 2014 ; Holt-Lunstad et al, 2015 ; Petitte et al, 2015 ). Some data suggest a link between loneliness and anxiety ( Igbokwe et al, 2020 ), though there is little research on the relationship between social isolation and anxiety. Especially considering extended social isolation across the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an issue that may gain even more salience in protecting the mental health of the country ( Elran-Barak and Mozeikov, 2020 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trends in anxiety among adults in the United States, 2008–2018: Rapid increases among young adults

Goodwin

Weinberger

Kim

et al. 2020

Journal of Psychiatric Research

181

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Introduction In a time of global uncertainty, understanding the psychological health of the American public is imperative. There are no current data on anxiety trends among adults in the United States (US) over time. This study aimed to investigate prevalence of anxiety among US adults from 2008 to 2018. Methods Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which is an annual, cross-sectional survey on substance use and mental health in the US, were analyzed in 2020. Prevalence of past-month anxiety was estimated among those ages ≥18, by survey year from 2008 to 2018. Time trends were tested using logistic regression. Results Anxiety increased from 5.12% in 2008 to 6.68% in 2018 (p < 0.0001) among adult Americans. Stratification by age revealed the most notable increase from 7.97% to 14.66% among respondents 18–25 years old (p < 0.001), which was a more rapid increase than among 26–34 and 35–49 year olds (differential time trend p < 0.001). Anxiety did not significantly increase among those ages 50 and older. Anxiety increased more rapidly among those never married and with some college education, relative to their respective counterparts. Apart from age, marital status and education, anxiety increased consistently among sociodemographic groups. Conclusions Anxiety is increasing among adults under age 50 in the US, with more rapid increase among young adults. To prepare for a healthier adulthood and given direct and indirect (via 24/7 media) exposure to anxiety-provoking world events, prophylactic measures that can bolster healthy coping responses and/or treatment seeking seem warranted on a broad scale.

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“…In Nigeria, we reported studies that have investigated old-age loneliness using either qualitative (OJEMBE & KALU 2018;OJEMBE & KALU 2019) or quantitative approaches (IGBOKWE et al 2020;OJAGBEMI & GUREJE 2019). However, a mixedmethod approach adopted by the current study as well as the implication for social workers justifies its importance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictors of Loneliness among Older Adults in South-Eastern Nigeria : Implications for Social Workers

Ebimgbo¹,

Atama²,

Onalu³

et al. 2021

EJMH

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Old-age loneliness is a crucial public health issue with mortality consequences as well as other negative health conditions and lifestyles including depression, substance abuse, sedentary lifestyles, and suicide ideation. This study investigated the predictors of loneliness among older adults in Nigeria’s southeast in order to articulate some interventions that will plummet the issue. A structured questionnaire (N = 516), in-depth interviews (N = 8), and focus group discussion (N = 16) were used to collect data from respondents aged 60 years or older. The quantitative data sets were subjected to chi-square and binary regression analysis, while a thematic analysis was adopted for the qualitative data. The study’s findings show that some demographic factors such as the number of children (p < .002), health status (p < .023), and social support (p < .014), among others, were statistically significant in predicting loneliness among older adults. The study, therefore, recommends the consideration of community-based services to enable elderly adults to buffer the experience of loneliness. Social workers should also influence the various organs responsible for social policies to formulate and promote policies that address the well-being of older adults.

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Prevalence of loneliness and association with depressive and anxiety symptoms among retirees in Northcentral Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Cited by 46 publications

References 56 publications

The Enabling Role of ICT to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Emotional and Social Loneliness of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

The Enabling Role of ICT to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Emotional and Social Loneliness of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

Trends in anxiety among adults in the United States, 2008–2018: Rapid increases among young adults

Predictors of Loneliness among Older Adults in South-Eastern Nigeria : Implications for Social Workers

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