1
|
Hussain B, Mirza M, Baines R, Burns L, Stevens S, Asthana S, Chatterjee A. Loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural communities: a narrative synthesis systematic review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1113864. [PMID: 37255758 PMCID: PMC10225733 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1113864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loneliness has significant impacts on the health of older adults. Social networks help to improve psychosocial and quality of life outcomes among older adults. A fifth of older adults live in rural communities, where geographic isolation poses challenges to health. The dynamics of social networks of older adults in rural communities has not been explored. Objective To synthesize the literature related to loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural settings. Methods A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted through searching six bibliographic databases to retrieve peer-reviewed literature with no time limits. We performed a methodological assessment of each study using a mixed method quality assessment tool. Findings are synthesized thematically. Results A total of 50 studies (32 quantitative, 15 qualitative, and 3 mixed methods) were included in this review. Studies were conducted in 17 different countries, the majority from China (n = 12), the UK (n = 9), and USA (n = 9). Findings revealed that social networks of older adults consist of family, friends and neighbors and continue to be developed through participation in various physical and social activities such as walking groups and participation in religious events. Social networks offer informational, functional, psychological and social support to older adults. Through their social networks, older adults feel socially connected and cared for. Successful interventions to improve social networks and address loneliness were those developed in groups or one-on-one with the older adults. The key ingredient to the positive impact of these interventions on reducing social isolation and loneliness was the formation of a social connection and regular engagement with the older adults. However, the review did not find any explicitly reported theory or model on which these interventions are based. Conclusion The prevalence of loneliness among older adults in rural areas needs urgent attention. Social network theory and methods can help in developing interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults in rural communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basharat Hussain
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Mahrukh Mirza
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Baines
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Burns
- Peninsula School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sheena Asthana
- Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR), Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Centre for Coastal Communities, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Arunangsu Chatterjee
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
The number of older women are increasing more rapidly and it is estimated that by 2050, the number of elderly women over 60 years old will be 3.2 times that of 2000. Moreover, the number and rate of elderly women in cities where widowed life alone has increased. The study pays attention to the fragile and vulnerable group of urban elderly women. Hence, the purpose of the study to suggest psychological adjustment and guidance for ageing urban women. The study suggests that by adopting protective policies and measures in a targeted manner this problem can be resolved. It is not only a critical responsibility of the state and the government, but also the social responsibility of all sectors of society, including enterprises and non-profit sectors of society, and even every ordinary citizen to support the elderly women for making their rest of lives happier and enjoyable.
Collapse
|
3
|
Caycho-Rodríguez T, Tomás JM, Hontangas PM, Ventura-León J, Burga-León A, Barboza-Palomino M, Reyes-Bossio M, Peña-Calero BN, White M. Validation of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale in Peruvian old adults: a study based on SEM and IRT multidimensional models. THE JOURNAL OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 150:46-70. [PMID: 33929286 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2021.1913398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness is a public health problem. Its assessment is important to identify older adults who experience greater loneliness and appropriate interventions can be carried out. The De Jong Gierveld Solitude Scale (DJGLS) is one of the most widely used, at least in the European context, to measure loneliness. Although the Spanish version of the DJGLS has shown reliability and validity in Spanish samples of older adults, there is no evidence of adequacy in the Latin American context. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DJGLS in Peruvian older adults. Specifically, factorial validity, internal consistency and criterion-related validity were studied, based on a double analytical perspective: Classical Test Theory (SEM models) and Item Response Theory. The participants were 235 Peruvian older adults with ages ranging from 61 to 91 years old (Mean = 72.69, SD = 6.68) that assisted to Centers for the Elderly in the city of Trujillo, Peru. Together with the DJGLS, information from the three-item UCLA loneliness scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale and the Patient Health Questionnarie-2 was also gathered. The results support a one-dimensional structure of the DJGLS but with the presence of method effects associated to the negatively worded items. Additionally, the IRT multidimensional model applied also indicated the presence of a second dimension related to these negative items. Finally, other evidences of reliability and validity were adequate. In summary, the DJGLS may be considered a reliable and valid instrument to be used in the Peruvian (older adults) context.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ojembe BU, Kalu ME, Donatus Ezulike C, Iwuagwu AO, Ekoh PC, Oyinlola O, Osifeso T, Makanjuola JO, Kapiriri L. Understanding Social and Emotional Loneliness among Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:2594-2608. [PMID: 36007108 PMCID: PMC9669730 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221118357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Black older adults’ (BOAs) experience of loneliness differs from other ethnic
groups because of the disproportionate disadvantages faced across their life
course. This scoping review aimed to describe the range of research on
loneliness or subjective social isolation among BOAs, identifying the
contributing factors to loneliness in this population, based on Weiss’ Social
provision Framework. Of the 15,345 initial retrieved citations from seven
databases and corporate websites, we included 27 studies conducted in the USA,
Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Uganda. Studies
reporting on BOAs’ experience of loneliness focused on the influence of
attachment, social integration, opportunity for nurturance, reassurance of
worth, guidance, socio-economic factors, health-related factors and behaviors,
and technology, media device possession and usage. There is a need for future
studies to identify which social provisions (when targeted) could reduce
loneliness, allowing clinicians to develop relevant interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blessing Ugochi Ojembe
- Department of Health, Aging & Society, 248191McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Michael Ebe Kalu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Chigozie Donatus Ezulike
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Social Work, 355428University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 53025City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Anthony Obinna Iwuagwu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Social Work, 355428University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Prince Chiagozie Ekoh
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Social Work, 355428University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,Faculty of Social Work, 210169University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Medical Social Services Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.,School of Social Work, 5620McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Temitope Osifeso
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Health and Rehabilitation Science, 6221Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John Osuolale Makanjuola
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Adult and Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, 584611University of Medical Science, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Lydia Kapiriri
- Department of Health, Aging & Society, 248191McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A Conceptual Review of Loneliness in Adults: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111522. [PMID: 34770035 PMCID: PMC8582800 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The paper reports an evidence synthesis of how loneliness is conceptualised in qualitative studies in adults. Using PRISMA guidelines, our review evaluated exposure to or experiences of loneliness by adults (aged 16+) in any setting as outcomes, processes, or both. Our initial review included any qualitative or mixed-methods study, published or unpublished, in English, from 1945 to 2018, if it employed an identified theory or concept for understanding loneliness. The review was updated to include publications up to November 2020. We used a PEEST (Participants, Exposure, Evaluation, Study Design, Theory) inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment (CASP) were completed and cross-checked by a second reviewer. The Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) was used to evaluate confidence in the findings. We undertook a thematic synthesis using inductive methods for peer-reviewed papers. The evidence identified three types of distinct but overlapping conceptualisations of loneliness: social, emotional, and existential. We have high confidence in the evidence conceptualising social loneliness and moderate confidence in the evidence on emotional and existential loneliness. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of these diverse conceptualisations to inform more effective decision-making and intervention development to address the negative wellbeing impacts of loneliness.
Collapse
|