ABSTRACT
Resumen Las redes sociales virtuales atraen a diferentes usuarios por las múltiples potencialidades e impactos característicos de esta sociedad tecnológica. El propósito de este estudio es identificar las redes sociales virtuales más usadas por los jóvenes, los motivos personales de uso y la relación de su utilización con la percepción de soledad y las habilidades de autoexpresión en escenarios sociales. En particular, se evalúan las diferencias de tales usos en función de la edad, el nivel de escolaridad y el género. En el estudio participaron 251 jóvenes adultos españoles con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y 40 años (X = 26.33, D.T. = 5-91) contactados a través de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se observó que el uso de las redes sociales virtuales se ve aumentado en los participantes con bajas habilidades sociales, altos niveles de soledad y más jóvenes. Destacan los motivos de aburrimiento y evasión o escape para usar los espacios digitales y se registra una tendencia en los jóvenes de la generación Z (18 a 28 años) a utilizar más las redes sociales virtuales, en comparación con los de la generación Y (29 a 40 años). Como conclusiones, se señala la conveniencia de controlar el uso problemático de las redes sociales virtuales y de entrenar las habilidades sociales para mejorar las relaciones interpersonales.
Abstract Virtual social networks are attracting different types of users thanks to the multiple potentialities and impacts characteristic of this technological society. The aim of this study is to identify the virtual social networks most used by young people, as well as the personal reasons for use and their negative effects in relation to the perception of loneliness and their self-expression skills in social settings. As specific objectives, it is proposed to determine the differences in such uses depending on age, level of education and gender. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was carried out so that 251 young Spanish adults between the ages of 18 and 40 years old participated (X = 26.33, DT. = 5-91). It has been verified that the use of social networks is increased when presenting low social skills, having high levels of loneliness and the younger one is. The reasons for boredom and evasion or escape in the use of these digital spaces stand out, and a tendency is observed in the young people of Generation Z (young people between 18 and 28 years old) to use VSN more in comparison with the previous Generation Y (with a range of 29 to 40 years old). It emphasizes the convenience of controlling the problematic use of social networks, training social skills to improve interpersonal relationships and strengthening emotionally.
ABSTRACT
Resumen Introducción. Algunos estudios han señalado que la soledad podría estar relacionada con un aumento en el riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con cáncer ya que puede debilitar la respuesta al tratamiento y del sistema inmunológico y promover comportamientos perjudiciales, lo que puede empeorar el pronóstico y aumentar la probabilidad de muerte en estos pacientes. El abordar la soledad en la salud pública es esencial para brindar apoyo social y mejorar los resultados en los pacientes con cáncer. Objetivo. Obtener un estimador de la asociación soledad no deseada - mortalidad en pacientes con cáncer. Materiales y métodos. Se le hizo el seguimiento durante dos años a una cohorte prospectiva de 400 pacientes (exposición=niveles de soledad; desenlace=tiempo hasta la muerte). Se incluyeron variables de control sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se utilizó un modelo de supervivencia paramétrico (log normal). Resultados. En la cohorte se encontró una mediana de supervivencia de 20,2 meses y una tasa de mortalidad de 3,2 muertes por 100 pacientes-mes (IC95%: 2,8 a 3,7). En el modelo de supervivencia se encontraron las siguientes razones de tiempo (RT): nivel moderado-nivel bajo: RT=0,55; IC95%: 0,39 a 0,77; nivel moderadamente alto-nivel bajo: RT=0,62; IC95%: 0.41 a 0.93; nivel alto-nivel bajo: RT=1,17; IC95%: 0,31 a 4,42. Conclusión. En comparación con los pacientes con niveles bajos de soledad, los pacientes con niveles moderados o moderadamente altos llegan más rápidamente a la muerte (RT estadísticamente significativas, habiendo ajustado por el efecto de las demás variables del modelo). Esto sugiere la utilidad de las intervenciones para mitigar la soledad y promover el apoyo social en los pacientes con cáncer.
Abstract Introduction. Some studies have indicated that loneliness may be associated with an increased risk of mortality in cancer patients, as it can weaken treatment response and the immune system, and promote harmful behaviors, worsening the prognosis and increasing the likelihood of death. Addressing loneliness in public health is essential to provide social support and improve outcomes in cancer patients. Objective. To obtain an estimator of the unwanted loneliness-mortality association. Materials and methods. We followed a prospective cohort of 400 patients for two years (exposure=loneliness levels; outcome=mortality; sociodemographic and clinical control variables were included). A parametric survival model (log normal) was used. Results. The cohort had a median survival of 20.2 months and a mortality rate of 3.2 deaths/100 patient-months (95% CI: 2.8 to 3.7). The survival model found the following time ratios (TR): moderate level/low level: TR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.77; moderately high level/ low level: TR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.93; high level/low level: TR=1.17; 95% CI: 0.31 to 4.42. Conclusion. Compared to patients with low levels of loneliness, patients with moderate or moderately high levels reach death more quickly (statistically significant TRs, adjusted for the effect of other variables in the model); this highlights the need for interventions to mitigate loneliness and promote social support in patients having cancer.
ABSTRACT
Background: Electronic devices here means devices like computer, laptop, smart phones, e-games etc. Recently the ownership, use and time-spent on electronic devices has increased dramatically on all age groups for the purpose of communication, entertainment, education, work, etc. and mostly adults are dependent on these devices. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional was done among 248 BPH students of Kathmandu valley. Four colleges were selected through lottery method and 62 students of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year were conveniently selected from each college by disproportionate stratified sampling. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was analysed in SPSS version 21.0 and interpreted using bivariate test. Results: All the respondents owned at least one electronic device. Smart phones were found to be the mostly used electronic device and entertainment was the main purpose for which the devices were used. 10.5% showed range of health adversities in relation to electronic device use with eye symptoms being the most common adversity. 80% were found to use electronic device before going to bed which was associated with the sleep quality of the respondents. Conclusions: This study concluded that time-spent on electronic device is high and using electronic devices before bed time was significantly associated with the sleep quality. Not just sleep quality but excessive use of these devices for long run had the risk of developing health effects like headache, eye, ear and musculoskeletal symptoms and few had mild health effects.
ABSTRACT
This study explored the association between loneliness and mental health among nurses in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022. We enrolled 2,811 nurses from a tertiary hospital in China. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, work-related factors, and psychological characteristics were collected from participants via a self-reported questionnaire. Loneliness was measured with the three-item short form of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale were used to measure mental health. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined using binary logistic regression. Among participants in this study, 12.0% (337) experienced loneliness, and 7.8% (219) and 6.7% (189) reported depression and anxiety, respectively. The loneliness scores were categorized into three levels (3, 4-6, and 7-9). For depression, compared with the lowest reference, the ORs and 95% CI across the tertile were 1.31 (0.69-1.84) and 2.53 (1.11-5.76) after adjustment, respectively, and the P-value for trend was 0.045. For anxiety, compared with the lowest reference, the ORs and 95%CI across the tertile were 1.84 (1.28-2.63) and 2.52 (1.57-4.10) after adjustment, respectively; the P-value for trend was 0.004. This study showed that loneliness was significantly associated with poor mental health among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggested that medical establishments should offer interventions for nurses to prevent mental health problems by targeting this modifiable risk factor.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To investigate the current status and relationship between loneliness and negative emotional symptoms among first generation college students in the family, so as to provide reference for improving mental health of this population.@*Methods@#A convenience sampling method was used to select 3 017 college students from 10 colleges and universities in Guangdong Province and Yunnan Province, China, in May 2023. Questionnaires were administered to the students, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the short form of the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) were employed.@*Results@#The total ULS-6 score of first generation college students in the family was (12.38±4.16), while the score of non first generation college students in the family was (11.89±4.38), with a statistically significant difference ( t=2.79, P <0.05). The total DASS-21 score of first generation college students in the family was (71.13±26.97), while the score of non first generation college students in the family was (70.20±26.66), with a statistically significant difference ( t=2.69, P <0.05). Among the first generation college students in the family, male students experienced more DASS-21 score (77.55±29.36) than female students (70.43±25.03)( t =5.79, P <0.05). Urban students (12.00±4.15, 70.34±25.68) reported lower levels of loneliness score and DASS- 21 score than rural students (12.62±4.15, 74.93±27.63), and the depression subscale scores showed statistically significant differences among students with different professional achievement rankings ( t/F =-3.42, -3.94, 4.25, P <0.05). There was a positive correlation between loneliness, depression, anxiety, pressure and DASS-21 scales of first generation college students in the family ( r=0.64, 0.62, 0.64, 0.66, P <0.01). The linear regression analysis results showed a positive correlation between loneliness and all dimensions and total scores of the DASS-21, explaining 44% of the variance in negative emotional symptoms.@*Conclusions@#A positive correlation is found between loneliness and negative emotional symptoms among first generation college students in the family. Improving the loneliness of the first generation college students in the family can reduce their negative emotional symptoms and improve their mental health level.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the severity of loneliness among the elderly in communities in Shanghai,and to identify factors associated with social and emotional loneliness respectively.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in older adults aged 65 years or above in Pudong New Area,Jing'an District and Huangpu District in Shanghai from Mar to Jun 2021.In Pudong New Area,multi-stage stratified random sampling was conducted based on the age and gender distribution of Shanghai,while in Huangpu District and Jing'an District convenience sampling was conducted.A total of 635 samples were included in the study.Loneliness was assessed using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale with social and emotional loneliness subscales.Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with social and emotional loneliness.Results Among the 635 participants,only 53 older adults(8.4%)were not lonely.Female(OR=0.46,95%CI:0.31-0.70),higher self-efficacy(OR=0.97,95%CI:0.94-1.00),more objective social support(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93-0.99)were associated with less severe social loneliness.Meanwhile,higher level of education(secondary education,OR=0.56,95%CI:0.34-0.95;college or above,OR=0.30,95%CI:0.11-0.83)and higher self-efficacy(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93-0.99)were associated with less severe emotional loneliness,while depression(OR=3.41,95%CI:1.76-6.60)and worse social capital(OR=2.02,95%CI:1.29-3.16)were associated with more severe emotional loneliness.Conclusion Up to 91.6%of the elderly in our study sample were moderately lonely or above.The factors associated with social loneliness include self-efficacy,gender and social support.The factors associated with emotional loneliness are self-efficacy,education level,depression,and social capital.
ABSTRACT
A review of studies related to the loneliness of family caregivers of chronically ill patients aims to provide a basis for understanding the current situation of loneliness among family caregivers of chronically ill patients, assessing the degree of loneliness among family caregivers, and formulating individualized interventions with a view to reducing the loneliness of family caregivers and promoting their physical and mental health.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the relationship between health promoting behavior and frailty in elderly patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR),and the mediating effects of self-efficacy and loneliness.Methods:In an eye hospital of Anhui Province,214 elderly patients with PDR were selected from May 2021 to Nov 2022 by convenient sampling method.The Frailty Scale,Chinese Version of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-Ⅱ,Self-Efficacy Scale and Simplified Loneliness Scale were used in this survey.Bootstrap method of Process software was used to analyze the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between health promoting behaviors and frailty in elderly PDR patients and the moderating effect of loneliness on the relationship between self-efficacy and frailty.Results:A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed and 214 valid questionnaires were returned,with valid response rate of 97.27% .Moderated mediation effect analysis suggested that health-promoting behaviors negatively predicted frailty(β=-0.508,P<0.01).Health promoting behaviors and self-efficacy had significant predictive effects on frailty(β=-0.191 and-0.433,P<0.01),and health promoting behaviors also had a significant predictive effect on self-efficacy(β=0.063,P<0.01).Self-efficacy played a partially mediating role between health promoting behaviors and frailty,and the mediating effect accounted for 14.76% of the total effect.The product term of loneliness and self-efficacy significantly predicted frailty(β=0.255,P<0.01),the mediating effect of self-efficacy on frailty was moderated by loneliness.Conclusions:The health-promoting behaviors of elderly patients with PDR affect frailty through self-efficacy,and loneliness moderates the relationship between self-efficacy and frailty.The moderated mediation model is established.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundAnxiety exists as a prevalent psychological problem among college students nowadays, which brings negative influence on their normal life. Mobile phone addiction and loneliness both have an impact on college students' anxiety. However, the acting path of loneliness between mobile phone addiction and anxiety requires further exploration. ObjectiveTo analyze the relationships among mobile phone addiction, loneliness and anxiety in college students, and to explore the acting path of loneliness between mobile phone addiction and anxiety. MethodsOn December 21, 2023, 1 400 college students from a university in Henan Province were selected, in accordance with the simple random sampling method, for investigation of this study. Questionnaire survey was conducted by using several scales including Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and University of California Los Angeles-Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS). Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between the scores of each scale above, and SPSS macro program Process 3.3 was used to test the mediation effect. ResultsA total of 1 239 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 88.50%. The MPATS score of college students was positively correlated with both SAS and UCLA-LS scores (r=0.474, 0.387, P<0.01), and UCLA-LS score was positively correlated with SAS score (r=0.541, P<0.01). The indirect effect of loneliness between mobile phone addiction and anxiety was 0.160 (95% CI: 0.118~0.173), accounting for 33.97% of the total effect. ConclusionMobile phone addiction can positively predict anxiety among college students, and loneliness may act as the mediation path between mobile phone addiction and anxiety among college students.
ABSTRACT
Objective: to describe and explore the relationship of loneliness, anxiety and depression with adoption of the caregiver role among individuals caring for people with chronic diseases in Colombia. Methods: this was an exploratory and cross-sectional study involving 960 primary caregivers of individuals with chronic diseases. We applied the Caregiver Role Adoption Scale, the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the Anxiety and Depression Scale. Principal component and multiple correspondence analyses were performed for clustering. Results: among the participating caregivers, 40.8% reported experiencing depression, 59% reported anxiety, 54.6% reported moderate to severe loneliness, and 88.6% reported satisfactory adoption of the caregiver role. Caregivers who presented basic or insufficient role adoption levels tended to have higher scores for anxiety, depression and loneliness. Conclusion: adoption of the caregiver role is a mediator in the anxiety, depression and loneliness levels among caregivers. Strategies aimed at supporting caregivers should include training for the caregiver role to mitigate the negative impacts of anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Objetivo: describir y explorar la relación de la soledad, la ansiedad y la depresión con la adopción del rol de cuidador entre personas que se ocupan de cuidar pacientes con enfermedades crónicas en Colombia. Métodos: se trató de un estudio exploratorio y transversal con la participación de 960 cuidadores principales de personas con enfermedades crónicas. Aplicamos la Escala de Adopción del Rol de Cuidador, la Escala de Soledad de la Universidad de California de Los Ángeles y la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión. Se realizaron análisis de componentes principales y de correspondencia múltiple para el clustering . Resultados: el 40,8% de los cuidadores que participaron en el estudio informó padecer depresión, el 59% informó ansiedad, el 54,6% indicó soledad de moderada a grave y el 88,6% presentó adopción satisfactoria del rol de cuidador. Los cuidadores que presentaron los niveles básico o insuficiente en términos de adopción del rol tendieron a obtener puntuaciones de ansiedad, depresión y soledad más elevadas. Conclusión: adoptar el rol de cuidador es un mediador de los niveles de ansiedad, depresión y soledad entre los cuidadores. Las estrategias dirigidas a apoyar a los cuidadores deberían incluir preparación para dicho rol a fin de mitigar los efectos negativos de la ansiedad, la depresión y la soledad.
Objetivo: descrever e explorar a relação entre a solidão, a ansiedade e a depressão com a adoção do papel de cuidador entre os indivíduos que cuidam de pessoas com doenças crônicas na Colômbia. Método: trata-se de um estudo exploratório e transversal que envolveu 960 cuidadores primários de indivíduos com doenças crônicas. Foi aplicada a Escala de Adoção do Papel de Cuidador, a Escala de Solidão da Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles e a Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão. Foram realizadas análises de componentes principais e de correspondência múltipla para o agrupamento. Resultados: entre os cuidadores participantes, 40,8% relataram ter depressão, 59% relataram ansiedade, 54,6% relataram solidão moderada a grave e 88,6% relataram uma adoção satisfatória do papel de cuidador. Os cuidadores que apresentaram níveis básicos ou insuficientes de adoção do papel tenderam a ter pontuações mais elevadas de ansiedade, depressão e solidão. Conclusão: a adoção do papel de cuidador é um mediador nos níveis de ansiedade, depressão e solidão entre os cuidadores. As estratégias destinadas a apoiar os cuidadores devem incluir o treinamento para o papel de cuidador, a fim de atenuar os impactos negativos da ansiedade, da depressão e da solidão.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anxiety , Role Playing , Chronic Disease , Caregivers/psychology , Depression , LonelinessABSTRACT
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the quality of life of older Brazilian adults. This study aimed to investigate the level of loneliness and social support of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relation with cognitive reserve, sociodemographic data, daily habits, and perceived health. An online cross-sectional study was conducted. The final sample consisted of 116 Brazilians aged over 60 years. The following instruments were used: sociodemographic questionnaire, questionnaire on the everyday habits during the pandemic, CRIq, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and MOS-SSS. The results showed a significant association between loneliness and social support. The regression models demonstrate the influence of perceived health and different forms of social contact in predicting social support and loneliness. These results evince the importance of the evaluation of factors related to the quality of life of older Brazilian adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resumo: A pandemia da COVID-19 afetou significativamente a qualidade de vida das pessoas idosas brasileiras. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o nível de apoio social e de solidão de pessoas idosas durante a pandemia do COVID-19 e sua relação com variáveis como a reserva cognitiva, dados sociodemográficos, hábitos diários e a saúde percebida. Foi conduzido um estudo transversal, online, com uma amostra de 116 brasileiros com mais de 60 anos. Os seguintes instrumentos foram aplicados: Questionário sociodemográfico, Questionário sobre hábitos na pandemia, CRIq, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale e MOS-SSS . Foi observada uma associação significativa entre a solidão e o apoio social. Os modelos de regressão demonstram a influência da percepção da saúde, e de diferentes meios de comunicação na predição do apoio social e da solidão. Os resultados apresentados demonstram a importância de avaliar fatores psicossociais relacionados à qualidade de vida das pessoas idosas brasileiras durante e após a pandemia de COVID-19.
Resumen: La pandemia del COVID-19 ha afectado significativamente a la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores brasileños. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el nivel de apoyo social y la soledad en los adultos mayores durante la pandemia del covid-19 y su relación con las variables como reserva cognitiva, datos sociodemográficos, hábitos diarios y salud percibida. Se realizó un estudio transversal en línea con una muestra de 116 participantes con más de 60 años de edad. Se utilizaron los instrumentos: Cuestionario sociodemográfico, cuestionario sobre hábitos en la pandemia, CRIq , Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale y MOS-SSS . Se encontró una correlación significativa entre la soledad y el apoyo social. Los modelos de regresión encontrados demuestran la influencia de la percepción del estado de salud y de diferentes medios en la predicción del apoyo social y la soledad. Los resultados presentados muestran la importancia de evaluar los factores psicosociales relacionados con la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores brasileños durante y después de la pandemia del COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the social representations of loneliness in older adults. Method: an exploratory and qualitative research study conducted in Lambayeque, Peru, by applying the Theory of Social Representations. A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied and in-depth interviews were conducted employing the semi-structured instrument with 32 older adults aged at least 70 years old, 50% belonging to each gender. Simple statistics and percentage analysis were applied to the sociodemographic data. The interviews were analyzed in the Alceste software program, subjecting them to lexicographic analysis. Results: the negative social representations refer to weak or impaired social relations with insufficient social support, thus vulnerabilizing older adults. The positive ones refer to pleasurable activities with no other people involved, assuming loneliness as adequate for intimacy, for listening to silence, for enjoying harmony and peace, for internal self-connection and for leading a pleasurable life, valuing it and strengthening the spiritual dimension. Conclusion: there is certain dialectics in the conception of loneliness: negative when it refers to the social context and to older adults' relationships with others; and positive when it represents an opportunity to embrace loneliness and perform pleasurable activities without depending on other people. It is indispensable to foster such positive aspects in the care provided to aged people.
RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as representações sociais da solidão em idosos. Método: pesquisa exploratória e qualitativa, aplicando a Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizada em Lambayeque, Peru. Aplicou-se um questionário sociodemográfico, sendo realizadas entrevistas em profundidade usando um instrumento semiestruturado, com 32 idosos com idade acima dos setenta anos, sendo 50% do sexo masculino e 50% do sexo feminino. Aplicou-se estatística simples e análise porcentual aos dados sociodemográficos. As entrevistas foram analisadas no software Alceste e submetidas à análise lexicográfica. Resultados: as representações negativas fazem referência a relações sociais fragilizadas ou diminuídas, com insuficiente apoio emocional, vulnerabilizando aos idosos. As positivas fazem referência a atividades prazerosas sem presença de outras pessoas, assumindo a solidão como adequada para a intimidade, para escutar o silencio, ter harmonia e paz, conectar-se internamente e viver uma vida agradável, valorar a vida e fortalecer a dimensão espiritual. Conclusão: há uma dialética na concepção da solidão: negativa quando se refere ao contexto social e às relações dos idosos com outras pessoas; e positiva quando representa uma oportunidade de abraçar a solidão e realizar atividades prazerosas sem depender de outros. É imprescindível fomentar esses aspectos positivos no cuidado dos idosos.
RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las representaciones sociales de la soledad en adultos mayores. Método: investigación exploratoria, cualitativa, aplicando la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, realizada en Lambayeque, Perú. Se aplicó cuestionario sociodemográfico y se realizó entrevista en profundidad empleando instrumento semiestructurado, con 32 adultos mayores de 70 años o más, 50% de cada sexo. Se aplicó estadística simple y análisis porcentual a los datos sociodemográficos. Las entrevistas fueron analizadas mediante el software Alceste, practicándoseles análisis lexicográfico. Resultados: las representaciones negativas hacen referencia a relaciones sociales frágiles o disminuidas, con apoyo emocional insuficiente, vulnerabilizando a los adultos mayores. Las positivas hacen referencia a actividades placenteras sin presencia de otras personas, asumiendo la soledad como adecuada para la intimidad, para oír el silencio, tener armonía y paz, para conectarse internamente y asumir una vida agradable, valorar la vida y fortalecer la dimensión espiritual. Conclusión: hay una dialéctica en la concepción de la soledad, que es negativa cuando se refiere al contexto social, a las relaciones del anciano con los demás; y positiva cuando representa una oportunidad de abrazar la soledad y realizar actividades placenteras sin depender de terceras personas. Es imprescindible fomentar tales aspectos positivos en el cuidado de las personas ancianas.
ABSTRACT
Introducción: La etapa de la vejez facilita la aparición del sentimiento de soledad, lo que puede aumentar la vulnerabilidad del adulto mayor frente a la enfermedad y el deterioro de su salud mental. Objetivo: Describir la asociación entre soledad y ansiedad ante la muerte en adultos mayores peruanos. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal, correlacional, desarrollado en dos centros del adulto mayor de Lima Sur, Perú, en el período septiembre a noviembre del año 2022. Se utilizó un muestreo no probabilístico, y eligieron 300 participantes de ambos sexos, entre 60 y 85 años (Medad= 71,74, DE = 7,21), quienes fueron evaluados mediante la Escala de Soledad y la Escala de Ansiedad ante la muerte. Para el análisis de datos se empleó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Los datos se interpretaron en función a la significancia estadística y el tamaño de efecto de las asociaciones. Resultados: El mayor porcentaje de participantes sentían moderada soledad (51 por ciento) y un nivel de ansiedad moderado (65 por ciento). La soledad obtuvo una asociación directa y moderada con la ansiedad ante la muerte (r = 0,275, p< 0,001). En el análisis de las dimensiones, solo la dimensión miedo a que la vida llegue a su fin se correlacionó con una magnitud moderada con la soledad (0,277, p< 0,001). Conclusiones: Los resultados respaldan que, ante una mayor percepción de soledad, mayor será la ansiedad ante la muerte en el adulto mayor(AU)
Introduction: The stage of old age facilitates the appearance of a loneliness feeling, which can increase the vulnerability of older adults to illness and deterioration of their mental health. Objective: To describe the association between loneliness and death anxiety in Peruvian older adults. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out in two centers for the elderly in Lima Sur, Peru, from September to November 2022. A nonprobabilistic sampling was used and 300 participants of both sexes, between 60 and 85 years of age (mean age = 71.74, SD = 7.21), were chosen and evaluated by means of the Loneliness Scale and the Death Anxiety Scale. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for data analysis. The data were interpreted in terms of statistical significance and effect size of the associations. Results: The highest percentage of participants felt moderate loneliness (51 percent) and a moderate level of anxiety (65 percent). Loneliness obtained a direct and moderate association with death anxiety (r = 0.275, p < 0.001). In the dimensional analysis, only the dimension fear of life coming to an end correlated with loneliness in a moderate magnitude (0.277, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results support that, the greater the perception of loneliness, the greater will be the anxiety about death in the older adult(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Mental Health , Fear , Loneliness , Anxiety , Data AnalysisABSTRACT
Introducción: Los cuidadores de personas con enfermedad crónica adoptan un nuevo rol que puede implicar respuestas como ansiedad, depresión y soledad. Objetivo: Describir y correlacionar las variables de adopción del rol del cuidador, depresión, ansiedad y soledad en cuidadores familiares de personas con enfermedad crónica en la provincia de Guanentina, en San Gil, Santander (Colombia), durante el año 2021. Método: Estudio descriptivo, analítico de corte transversal realizado con 112 cuidadores familiares de personas con enfermedades crónicas. Se utilizó una ficha de caracterización y los instrumentos: Escala adopción del rol del cuidador ROL, escala de soledad de UCLA (University of California at Los Ángeles) y Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión HADS. Resultados: El perfil de los cuidadores fue predominantemente mujer; de 49 años en promedio; casadas, solteras o en unión libre; grado máximo de escolaridad bachiller; de ocupación hogar y nivel socioeconómico medio bajo y bajo. Se encontraron niveles altos de ansiedad en el 18,3 % de ellas, depresión en el 4,3 % y soledad en el 0,9 %, además, se evidenciaron niveles de adopción del rol del cuidador satisfactorios en el 100 %. Se encontró una correlación débil entre ansiedad, depresión y soledad y una correlación inversa entre estas variables con la adopción del rol del cuidador. De igual manera, se encontró una correlación directa entre la edad del paciente y los meses de diagnóstico con las horas de cuidado al día. Por último, se halló carácter predictivo de la ansiedad y la depresión sobre la adopción del rol, de la ansiedad y la adopción del rol sobre la depresión, y de la soledad y la depresión sobre la ansiedad. Conclusiones: los cuidadores tenían niveles de ansiedad, depresión y soledad normales que, al correlacionarse entre sí y con la adopción del rol del cuidador, validan la idea de que, si se interviene a los cuidadores en su trayectoria con orientaciones sobre su rol en cuanto a las labores, la organización y las respuestas se puede contribuir en la disminución de la ansiedad, depresión y soledad. Discusión: la correlación directa observada entre la soledad, depresión y ansiedad es coherente con lo reportado en estudios previos con cuidadores. Acorde con lo reportado por la literatura el desempeño satisfactorio del rol facilita los desenlaces en los cuidadores, en este caso, la moderación de la ansiedad, depresión y soledad.
Introduction: Caregivers of people with chronic disease adopt a new role that may involve responses such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Objective: To describe and correlate the variables of adoption of the role of caregiver, depression, anxiety and loneliness in family caregivers of people with chronic disease in the Guanentina province in San Gil, Santander (Colombia), during the year 2021. Methods: Descriptive study, cross-sectional analysis carried out with 112 family caregivers of people with chronic diseases. A characterization sheet and the ROL, UCLA and HADS instruments were used. Results: the profile of the caregivers was predominantly female and average age of 49 years; married, single or in civil union; maximum degree of high school education; of household occupation and low and low-middle socioeconomic level. High levels of anxiety were found in 18,3% of them, depression in 4,3% and loneliness in 0,9%, in addition, satisfactory levels of adoption of the caregiver role were evidenced in 100%. A weak correlation was found between anxiety, depression and loneliness and an inverse correlation between these variables with the adoption of the caregiver role. Similarly, a direct correlation was found between the patient's age and the months of diagnosis with the hours of care per day. Finally, anxiety and depression were found to be predictive of role adoption, of anxiety and role adoption on depression, and of loneliness and depression on anxiety. Conclusions: the caregivers had normal levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness that, when correlated with each other and with the adoption of the caregiver role, validate the idea that, if caregivers are intervened in their trajectory with guidance on their role in terms of the tasks, the organization and the answers can contribute in the reduction of anxiety, depression and loneliness. Discussion: The direct connection observed between loneliness, depression and anxiety is consistent with what has been reported in previous studies with caregivers. In accordance with what has been reported in the literature, satisfactory performance of the role facilitates the outcomes in caregivers, in this case, the moderation of anxiety, depression and loneliness.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXTO: Se proyecta un aumento del 6% en la población mundial de personas mayores para el 2050, generando desafíos sociales significativos, especialmente el crecimiento de la soledad en la vejez. Este fenómeno está estrechamente vinculado a problemas de salud notables, incluido el síndrome de fragilidad. OBJETIVO: Esta revisión de literatura tiene como objetivo proporcionar una comprensión actualizada de la relación entre fragilidad y soledad en adultos mayores que residen en la comunidad. METODOLOGÍA: Utilizando una revisión integradora, se recopilaron sistemáticamente artículos originales de las bases de datos de PubMed, Web of Science y CINAHL. RESULTADOS: Una revisión de 475 artículos publicados entre 2018 y 2022 identificó 17 estudios que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión especificados. CONCLUSIÓN: Los hallazgos revelan sólida evidencia científica que respalda una asociación sustancial entre la soledad y la fragilidad en adultos mayores que viven en la comunidad. A pesar de la consistencia en la evidencia, persisten variaciones en los enfoques conceptuales y las metodologías de medición en los estudios revisados.
CONTEXT: The global elderly population is projected to increase 6% by 2050, posing significant social challenges, particularly the escalating prevalence of loneliness in old age. This phenomenon is closely linked to notable health issues, including the frailty syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This literature review aims to provide an updated understanding of the relationship between frailty and loneliness among older adults residing in the community. Methodology: Employing an integrative review, original articles were systematically gathered from PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. RESULTS: A review of 475 articles published between 2018 and 2022 identified 17 studies meeting specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: Findings reveal robust scientific evidence supporting a substantial association between loneliness and frailty among older adults in community settings. Despite consistent evidence, variations persist in conceptual approaches and measurement methodologies across reviewed studies.
ABSTRACT
ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: La soledad es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades físicas y mentales, causando disminución en la calidad de vida y un aumento de la mortalidad. El objetivo de este artículo fue determinar los factores predictores de soledad en personas cuidadoras informales de personas con demencia dentro de un contexto de crisis como fue la pandemia por COVID-19 con el fin de identificar e intervenir en dichos factores desde la atención primaria de salud. DISEÑO Y METODOLOGÍA: Este es un estudio cuantitativo de carácter transversal para el cual se realizó un muestreo de conveniencia no probabilístico. Ciento noventa y cinco personas cuidadores informales, por medio de una encuesta en línea, respondieron preguntas sociodemográficas y clínicas sobre ellos mismos (soledad, síntomas ansiosos y depresivos, actividades físicas y mentales, sobrecarga y apoyo psicosocial) y sobre la persona con demencia (cambios en la memoria y en los síntomas conductuales y psicológicos). Los datos fueron recolectados durante 6 meses y se hicieron análisis descriptivos, de correlación y de regresión. RESULTADOS: La baja escolaridad, disminución del ingreso económico, no mantener durante la pandemia las actividades físicas y mentales y la sobrecarga en el cuidador se relacionaron significativamente con mayor soledad, mientras que los factores predictores de la misma fueron la presencia de sintomatología ansiosa depresiva, la baja percepción de apoyo psicosocial y la convivencia de la persona cuidadora con la persona con demencia. CONCLUSIÓN: El riesgo de desarrollar soledad en los cuidadores informales de personas con demencia es alto. Los profesionales de enfermería, particularmente en atención primaria, deben estar alertas a identificar a aquellos cuidadores que conviven con la persona con demencia, que presentan síntomas ansiosos y depresivos y que reportan una baja percepción de apoyo psicosocial dado que son más vulnerables de experimentar soledad percibida.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Loneliness is a risk factor for the development of physical and mental illness, causing decreased quality of life and increased mortality. The aim of this article was to recognise predictors of loneliness in informal caregivers of people with dementia in the context of a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: 195 informal caregivers, through an online survey, answered sociodemographic and clinical questions about themselves (loneliness, anxious and depressive symptoms, physical and mental activities, overload and psychosocial support) and about the person with dementia (changes in memory and behavioural and psychological symptoms). RESULTS: Low schooling, decreased income, failure to maintain physical and mental activities during the pandemic and caregiver overload were significantly related to increased loneliness, while predictors of loneliness were the presence of depressive anxiety symptoms, low perception of psychosocial support and the caregiver living with the person with dementia. CONCLUSION: The risk of developing loneliness in caregivers of people with dementia is high. Nursing professionals, particularly in primary care, should be on the alert for those caregivers within this group who live with the person with dementia, who present anxious and depressive symptoms and who report a low perception of psychosocial support, as they are more vulnerable to experiencing perceived loneliness.
ABSTRACT
Background: There is an increasing concern on the psychosocial well-being of students especially being vulnerable during times such as the pandemic. Objective were (i) to assess the prevalence of psychosocial issues and coping skills over the lockdown period due to the covid pandemic among undergraduate students in India, (ii) to associate the various factors affecting the study pattern over the lockdown period among the same population. Methods: This was an online cross-sectional study among undergraduate students studying in various south-Indian colleges done during the initial lockdown (May to September 2020). We followed snowball sampling and collected data using google forms with study tools such as, standard revised UCLA loneliness scale and WHO 5 well-being index questionnaire. Our final data of 350 (from 378) was then analyzed using IBM SPSS v21.0 and based on Likert scaling, we graded our responses to assess the severity of loneliness and well-being. Results: The mean age was 23.1±3.31 years and majority of participants belonged to the age group of 21-23 (58.3%). Majority of the participants were pursuing a medical course (62%) and were in their second year of professional course (39.7%). According to WHO-5 scale, 115 (32.9%) had poor well-being and 235 (67.1%) had good well-being and further on comparing it was observed that those with severe loneliness (N=16.7%) had 0.010 times lesser chance of having good well-being (p=0.000) than those who had no loneliness (N=95%). Conclusions: Vulnerable and changing times such as these contribute for alteration in a growing adult’s progress towards well-being.
ABSTRACT
ANTECEDENTES: La soledad es uno de los problemas de salud pública más recurrentes en las personas mayores, sin embargo, en Chile se disponen de escasos datos sobre su prevalencia en personas mayores a 60 años que viven en zonas rurales y que pertenecen a pueblos originarios o al tribal afrodescendiente. OBJETIVO: Examinar la prevalencia de la soledad entre personas mayores que viven en zonas rurales por grupo étnico; y analizar las variables sociodemográficas, familiares y de salud que se relaciona con soledad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se aplicó la escala de soledad DJGLS-6, APGAR-familiar, cuestionario de 13 problemas de salud más frecuentes en personas mayores chilenas, e índice de Barthel a 1.692 personas mayores que residen en zonas rurales de las regiones de Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Los Lagos, Aisén y Magallanes. RESULTADOS: Se observa una alta prevalencia de la soledad (sobre el 55%) en personas de los pueblos: Afrodescendiente, Quechua, Atacameño, Colla, Chango, Huilliche, Kawesqar y no indígenas. Siendo la soledad emocional la más prevalente entre personas mayores indígenas y no indígenas que viven en zonas rurales (≥ 71%). Las variables que se asocian con soledad son: ser mujer, edad, no tener pareja, vivir solo(a), disfuncionalidad familiar y tener problemas de salud. CONCLUSIONES: La soledad en zonas rurales es más alta en las personas mayores y esta situación se complejiza en el cruce de diversidad étnico cultural, es necesario seguir abordando este problema que afecta el bienestar biopsicosocial en la vejez.
BACKGROUND: Loneliness is one of the most recurrent public health problems in older people. However, there is little data available in Chile on its prevalence in people over 60 years of age living in rural areas and belonging to native or Afro-descendant groups. AIM: To examine the prevalence of loneliness among older people living in rural areas by ethnic group and to analyze the socio-demographic, family, and health variables related to loneliness. METHODS: We interviewed 1,692 elderly people living in Chilean rural areas of the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Los Lagos, Aisén and Magallanes. The instruments applied were the DJGLS-6 loneliness scale, Family-APGAR, questionnaire of 13 most frequent health problems in Chilean older people, and Barthel index. RESULTS: We found a high prevalence of loneliness (over 55%) among Afro-descendants, Quechua, Atacameño, Colla, Chango, Huilliche, Kawesqar and non-indigenous people. Emotional loneliness is the most prevalent among indigenous and non-indigenous older people living in rural areas (≥ 71%). Variables associated with loneliness were being female, age, not having a partner, living alone, family dysfunctionality, and having health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness in rural areas is higher in older people, and this situation becomes more complex at the crossroads of ethnic-cultural diversity; it is necessary to continue to address this problem that affects biopsychosocial well-being in old age.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data , Socioeconomic Factors , Loneliness/psychology , Ethnicity/psychology , Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data , Chile/ethnology , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Risk Factors , Sociodemographic FactorsABSTRACT
ANTECEDENTES: Las personas mayores chilenas que viven en la comunidad son una población vulnerable y con alto riesgo de auto percibirse como solitarios. OBJETIVO: Examinar los factores asociados a la percepción de soledad de un grupo de personas mayores chilenas que viven en la comunidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Diseño transversal con 540 participantes de 65 años y más (72,20 ± 6,22). Se evaluaron medidas sociodemográficas, estado de salud y valoración geriátrica integral. Se realizaron correlaciones y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. RESULTADOS: Factores como baja percepción de apoyo social en situaciones cotidianas o casos de emergencia, experimentar alta sintomatología depresiva y percibir una mala calidad de vida se asociaron significativamente con una mayor autopercepción de soledad. DISCUSIÓN: Las estrategias preventivas y las intervenciones psicosociales adecuadas a la edad para mitigar o revertir el impacto de estos factores pueden ser fundamentales para reducir la autopercepción de soledad y, en consecuencia, mejorar el bienestar de las personas mayores.
BAKCGROUND: Chilean community-dwelling older people are a vulnerable population with a high risk of being self-perceived as lonely. AIM: To examine the factors associated with the self-perception of loneliness in a group of Chilean community-dwelling older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study design with 540 participants aged 65 years and above (72.20 ± 6.22). Measures for sociodemographic, health status, and integral geriatric assessment were assessed. Correlations and multiple linear regression models were conducted. RESULTS: Factors such as low perception of social support in everyday situations or cases of emergency, experiencing high depressive symptoms, and perceiving a poor quality of life were significantly associated with a higher self-perception of loneliness. DISCUSSION: Preventive strategies and age-appropriate psychosocial interventions to mitigate or reverse the impact of these factors may be essential to reduce the self-perception of loneliness and consequently improve older people's well-being.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Quality of Life/psychology , Self Concept , Social Support , Socioeconomic Factors , Independent Living/psychology , Loneliness/psychology , Geriatric Assessment , Chile , Cross-Sectional Studies , Risk Factors , Depression/psychology , Sociodemographic FactorsABSTRACT
Purpose: Data on social?emotional aspects among children with strabismus in India are scanty. We compared the emotional symptoms (ES), loneliness and social dissatisfaction (LSD), and self?esteem (SE) and their associated risk factors among children with and without strabismus in India. Methods: A cross?sectional case–control study design was used to recruit 101 children with strabismus aged 8 to 18 years and a control group of 101 children that were age? and gender?matched. Interviews were performed using standardized scales to assess ES, LSD, and SE. Variations in the intensity of ES, LSD, and SE were assessed using multiple classification analysis (MCA). Results: A total of 202 children participated in the study. The mean ES, LSD, and SE scores were 3.4 (standard deviation [SD] 1.9), 48.4 (SD 3.2), and 22.1 (SD 3.8) for the strabismus group and 1.8 (SD 1.5), 33.3 (SD 3), and 31.3 (SD 2) for the non?strabismus group, respectively. Among the strabismus group, the highest levels of mean ES, LSD, and SE scores were observed among children facing problems in performing daily tasks. Amongst the non?strabismus group, children studying at the primary level and those facing neglect had the highest mean scores. In MCA, being affected with strabismus had the highest effect on the intensity of ES, LSD, and SE with a beta (?) value of 0.223 (P = 0.016), 0.922 (P < 0.001), and 0.853 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A significantly high proportion of children with strabismus deal with elevated levels of ES, LSD problems, and low SE as compared with non?strabismus children, highlighting the need to address the poor social?emotional health of children