Volume 21, Issue 2 (10-2011)                   JHNM 2011, 21(2): 28-34 | Back to browse issues page

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Sheikholeslami F, Reza Masouleh S, Khodadadi N, Yazdani M A. Loneliness and general health of elderly. JHNM 2011; 21 (2) :28-34
URL: http://hnmj.gums.ac.ir/article-1-184-en.html
1- , farzanehshikh@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (8246 Views)

Introduction: In recent years attention to elderly is progressing rapidly in countries. Special ‎attention to their mental and physical need is necessary. Loneliness may occur in all age ‎groups, but this is more a problem peculiar to the elderly. Loneliness is a complex concept, ‎specially affecting the psychosocial well-being of the elderly. The feelings of loneliness have ‎serious consequence on the health of older adults.‎ Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine loneliness and general health of ‎members of the elderly pensioners association of Gilan University of Medical Science in ‎Rasht.‎ Methods: This study was a descriptive– correlational research. Sampling performed, through ‎easy sampling method. ‎‏100‏‎ members of pensioners association from both gender (female and ‎male) took part in the study. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisted of three ‎parts. Part one was about demographic data, part two about loneliness that was measured by ‎the UCLA loneliness scale, and part three was general health status with ‎‏28‏‎ questions. Data ‎were analyzed by descriptive-analytical methods, using SPSS ‎‏16‏‎.‎

Results: In this study it was found that married elderly people (p<‎‏0.02‏‎) who were satisfied ‎with living area (p<‎‏0.045‏‎) felt less lonely than others. According to the results of this study ‎the elderly who defined their general health status as good felt less lonely (p<‎‏0.00‏‎).‎

Conclusion: It was demonstrated that loneliness is an important factor decreasing general ‎health and therefore, early identification of loneliness may help maintain the general health of ‎older adults. Health care professionals should be alert to the association of loneliness and ‎adverse health outcomes.‎

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Article Type : Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2014/08/3 | Accepted: 2014/08/3 | Published: 2014/08/3

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