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Gao Q, Mak HW, Fancourt D. Longitudinal associations between loneliness, social isolation, and healthcare utilisation trajectories: a latent growth curve analysis. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02639-9. [PMID: 38429539 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the longitudinal associations between eight-year trajectories of loneliness, social isolation and healthcare utilisation (i.e. inpatient, outpatient, and nursing home care) in US older adults. METHODS The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study in 2006-2018, which included a nationally representative sample of American adults aged 50 and above (N = 6,832). We conducted latent growth curve models to assess the associations between trajectories of loneliness and isolation and healthcare utilisation over 8 years. RESULTS Independent of sociodemographic and health-related confounders, social deficits were associated with a lower likelihood of baseline physician visits (loneliness β= -0.15, SE = 0.08; social isolation β= -0.19, SE = 0.08), but there was a positive association between loneliness and number of physician visits (β = 0.06, SE = 0.03), while social isolation was associated with extended hospital (β = 0.07, SE = 0.04) and nursing home stays (β = 0.05, SE = 0.02). Longer nursing home stays also predicted better trajectories of loneliness and isolation over time. CONCLUSION Loneliness and social isolation are cross-sectionally related to complex patterns of different types of healthcare. There was no clear evidence that social deficits led to specific trajectories of healthcare utilisation, but nursing home stays may over time help provide social contact, supporting trajectories of isolation and potentially loneliness. Non-clinical services such as social prescribing could have the potential to address unmet social needs and further promote patients' health-seeking profiles for improving healthcare equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gao
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hei Wan Mak
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
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Millett G, Franco G, Fiocco AJ. Understanding the social and leisure needs of lonely and socially isolated older adults living in residential care: a qualitative study. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:344-352. [PMID: 37735879 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2258828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Rates of loneliness and social isolation increase following the transition to residential care and are associated with poor health outcomes. One way to mitigate these experiences is through meaningful recreation, however, there is research to suggest that currently available programming does not meet the needs of lonely and socially isolated residents. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to investigate: (1) the lived experience of loneliness and social isolation in residential care, (2) engagement and use of available resources by these residents, and (3) insights as to how programming can further address their needs.Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten staff members and 14 residents. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Three themes emerged from the data: (1) Feelings of loneliness and social isolation (subthemes: loneliness and social isolation differ, contributors, and coping strategies), (2) Recreation and social participation (subthemes: program engagement and barriers to participation), and (3) Supporting residents' needs (subthemes: suggestions for meaningful recreation and resources).Conclusion: Loneliness and social isolation are idiographic experiences. Contributors to loneliness and social isolation are also reported as barriers to attending programming. Recommendations are made, many of which rely on greater staffing resources and psychoeducation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneva Millett
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Giselle Franco
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alexandra J Fiocco
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
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Lim E, Nielsen N, Lapane L, Barooah A, Xu S, Qu S, McPhillips E, Dube CE, Lapane K. Health effects of social connectedness in older adults living in congregate long-term care settings: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Int J Older People Nurs 2023; 18:e12577. [PMID: 37803996 PMCID: PMC10843483 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overall impact of social connectedness on health outcomes in older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living settings is unknown. Given the unclear health impact of social connectedness for older adults in congregate long-term care settings worldwide, a comprehensive systematic review is required to evaluate the overall relationship between social connectedness and health outcomes for them. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article was to synthesize the literature regarding the health impact of social connectedness among older adults living in nursing homes or assisted living settings. METHODS Using PRISMA guidelines, we identified eligible studies from Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane databases (1990-2021). Bias and quality reporting assessment was performed using standardized criteria for cohort, cross sectional and qualitative studies. At each stage, ≥ 2 researchers conducted independent evaluations. RESULTS Of the 7350 articles identified, 25 cohort (follow-up range: 1 month-11 years; with two also contributing to cross sectional), 86 cross sectional, eight qualitative and two mixed methods were eligible. Despite different instruments used, many residents living in nursing homes and assisted living settings had reduced social engagement. Quantitative evidence supports a link between higher social engagement and health outcomes most studied (e.g. depression, quality of life). Few studies evaluated important health outcomes (e.g. cognitive and functional decline). Most cohort studies showed that lack of social connectedness accelerated time to death. CONCLUSIONS Social connectedness may be an important modifiable risk factor for adverse health outcomes for older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most studies were cross sectional and focused on quality of life and mental health outcomes. Longitudinal studies suggest that higher social engagement delays time to death. Evidence regarding other health outcomes important to older adults was scant and requires further longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Natalia Nielsen
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Lucienne Lapane
- Boston University, School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Adrita Barooah
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Shu Xu
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Shan Qu
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Emily McPhillips
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Catherine E. Dube
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kate Lapane
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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Kuven BM, Drageset J, Haugan G. Quality of life and nurse-patient interaction among NH residents: Loneliness is detrimental, while nurse-patient interaction is fundamental. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6384-6393. [PMID: 36751030 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between perceived nurse-patient interaction and quality-of-life among nursing home residents, adjusted for loneliness, anxiety and depression. BACKGROUND Symptoms of anxiety and depression are known to residents of nursing homes along with cognitive impairment, physical inactivity and low quality-of-life. Anxiety, depression and loneliness are found detrimental to NH residents' quality-of-life. The nurse-patient relationship is important for patient's well-being, both in terms of illness and symptom management. DESIGN Cross-sectional design. METHODS Data were collected in 2017 and 2018 from 188 residents in 27 nursing homes resided in two large urban municipalities in Middle and Western Norway. The inclusion criteria were: (1) local authority's decision of long-term NH care; (2) residential stay 3 months or longer; (3) informed consent competency recognised by responsible doctor and nurse; (4) capable of being interviewed, and (5) aged 65 years or older. This article is executed in accordance with STROBE statement. RESULTS Adjusting for age, sex, anxiety, depression and loneliness, perceived nurse-patient interaction was statistically significant to quality-of-life. While anxiety and depression showed insignificant estimates, loneliness demonstrated a significant relation with quality-of-life. Nurse-patient interaction and loneliness explained together 25% of the variation in quality-of-life. CONCLUSION This study suggests that loneliness is frequent as well as more detrimental to quality-of-life among nursing home residents compared to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the present results show that the nurse-patient interaction represents an essential health-promoting resource for Quality-of-life in this population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Staff nurses need to exercise their awareness of loneliness to meet residents' needs. Nursing educations should provide knowledge about nurse-patient interaction, and students as well as staff nurses in NHs should be trained, for instance by simulation, to use the nurse-patient interaction as a health-promoting resource. Finally, loneliness represents a bigger challenge than depression and anxiety; accordingly, building nurses that are capable of meeting patients' needs and facilitate care that counteracts loneliness is highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorunn Drageset
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gørill Haugan
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim and Nord University, Levanger, Norway
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Rodriguez DK, Periyakoil VS. Can virtual reality travel help nursing home patients fulfill their bucket list? J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:2976-2978. [PMID: 37171553 PMCID: PMC10655748 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dulce K. Rodriguez
- Stanford Aging and Ethnogeriatrics Transdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Vyjeyanthi S. Periyakoil
- Stanford Aging and Ethnogeriatrics Transdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- VA Palo Alto Health Care Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Association between loneliness and its components and cognitive function among older Chinese adults living in nursing homes: A mediation of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:959. [PMID: 36514018 PMCID: PMC9746079 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the associations between loneliness and its components and cognitive function among older Chinese adults living in nursing homes and to test whether depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances mediate these associations. METHODS The sample comprised 228 Chinese individuals aged ≥ 65 years living in nursing homes who were free of dementia and psychiatric or serious somatic diseases. Loneliness was evaluated using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Global cognitive function was assessed using the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between loneliness and its components and global cognitive function. A mediation analysis was used to test the potential mediating effects of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the participants was 80.8 (6.3) years, and 58.3% were women. Compared with the lowest quartile of loneliness degree, the multivariable-adjusted beta coefficient (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) for the highest quartile was -1.32 (-2.61 to -0.02) (P for trend = 0.03). Loneliness components, personal feelings of isolation and the lack of relational connectedness but not the lack of collective connectedness, were also inversely associated with cognitive function. Significant indirect effects on cognitive function were observed for loneliness and its two components (personal feelings of isolation and the lack of relational connectedness) in mediating pathways via depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A higher degree of loneliness and its two components, personal feelings of isolation and the lack of relational connectedness, are associated with worse cognitive function among Chinese residents in nursing homes. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disturbances may at least partially mediate these associations.
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Noten S, Stoop A, De Witte J, Landeweer E, Vinckers F, Hovenga N, van Boekel LC, Luijkx KG. "Precious Time Together Was Taken Away": Impact of COVID-19 Restrictive Measures on Social Needs and Loneliness from the Perspective of Residents of Nursing Homes, Close Relatives, and Volunteers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3468. [PMID: 35329154 PMCID: PMC8950639 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, restrictive measures (e.g., prohibiting physical visits and group activities) were introduced in nursing homes to protect older residents. Although the importance of social contacts and social activities to fulfill social needs and avoid loneliness is known, these were challenged during the pandemic. This qualitative study specifically focused on how residents, close relatives, and volunteers in nursing homes experienced the restrictive measures in retrospect and gained insights into the impact of the restrictive measures on social needs and loneliness, and the lessons that could be learned. Thirty semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with residents and close relatives, and one online focus group with ten volunteers, were conducted. Recruitment took place at psychogeriatric and somatic units in the Northern, Eastern and Southern regions of the Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium. The interviews and focus group were transcribed verbatim, and an open, inductive approach was used for analysis. Alternative ways of social contact could not fully compensate for physical visits. Generally, participants reported that it was a difficult time, indicated by feelings of loneliness, fear, sadness, and powerlessness. A great diversity in loneliness was reported. The most important reasons for feeling lonely were missing close social contacts and social activities. The diversity in the impact of restrictive measures depended on, e.g., social needs, coping strategies, and character. Restrictive COVID-19 measures in nursing homes resulted in negative emotions and unmet social needs of residents, close relatives, and volunteers. During future outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus or another virus or bacterium, for which restrictive measures may be needed, nursing homes should actively involve residents, close relatives, and volunteers to balance safety, self-determination, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzie Noten
- Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands; (S.N.); (K.G.L.)
| | - Annerieke Stoop
- Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands; (S.N.); (K.G.L.)
| | - Jasper De Witte
- HIVA—Research Institute for Work and Society KU Leuven, P.O. Box 5300, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Elleke Landeweer
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (E.L.); (F.V.); (N.H.)
| | - Floor Vinckers
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (E.L.); (F.V.); (N.H.)
| | - Nina Hovenga
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (E.L.); (F.V.); (N.H.)
| | - Leonieke C. van Boekel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, FORCE (Foundation for Orthopaedic Research Care Education), Amphia Hospital, 4819 EV Breda, The Netherlands;
| | - Katrien G. Luijkx
- Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands; (S.N.); (K.G.L.)
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