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Nakahara K, Yokoi K. Role of Meaningful Social Participation and Technology Use in Mitigating Loneliness and Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7806205150. [PMID: 39418649 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Community social participation aids dementia prevention and alleviates loneliness among older adults. Incorporating occupational therapy using information and communications technology (ICT) could potentially delay dementia onset and reduce loneliness. OBJECTIVE To quantify how meaningful social participation, participation frequency, ICT use, and expanded social networks influence cognitive function and loneliness among socially active older Japanese adults. DESIGN Cross-sectional exploratory study using structural equation modeling. SETTING Meetings organized by older adults at seven community gathering places in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. PARTICIPANTS One hundred thirteen healthy older adult cohort members. MEASURES Cognitive function assessed via Mini-Cog; loneliness assessed via the condensed UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS The final model demonstrated excellent fit, χ2(23) = 28.291, p = .205 (root mean square error of approximation = .045, 90% confidence interval [.000, .094]; confirmatory factor index = .995; Tucker-Lewis Index = .993). ICT use directly affected social networks (β = 0.472), which directly influenced participation frequency (β = 0.324) and meaningful social participation (β = 0.381). The indirect effect of meaningful participation significantly improved cognitive function (β = 0.237). The only indirect effect of meaningful interpersonal participation was a reduction in loneliness (β = -0.235). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE ICT use contributes to the expansion of social networks among elderly people. Furthermore, the frequency of social participation and the meaningfulness of such participation are related to reduction in loneliness and maintenance of cognitive function. Although the frequency of social participation was not directly related to these outcomes, the results suggest that meaningful social participation may play an important role in reducing loneliness and maintaining cognitive function. Plain-Language Summary: The promotion of social participation among older people is a global phenomenon, driven by the recognition of its positive relationship with cognitive function and the alleviation of loneliness. Nevertheless, older people's social participation is constrained by a combination of physical and social factors. To address this issue, there has been a push to promote social participation based on information and communications technology (ICT). However, no specific study has been conducted on occupational therapists' perspective in capturing social participation and the use of ICT. The findings of this study show that using ICT has the potential to enhance opportunities for social interaction for older adults, thereby improving the quality and quantity of social participation. The quality of social participation was identified as the sole factor that had a positive impact on cognitive function and loneliness. This study suggests the need for occupational therapists to consider means of facilitating the use of ICTs among older adults as well as interventions that use occupational therapy theory to enhance the meaningfulness of existing social participation opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Nakahara
- Keita Nakahara, MS, OTR, is PhD Candidate, Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan, and Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation, Kansai University of Welfare Sciences, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Katsushi Yokoi
- Katsushi Yokoi, PhD, OTR, is Professor, Graduate School of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
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Niino K, Patapoff MA, Mausbach BT, Liu H, Moore AA, Han BH, Palmer BW, Jester DJ. Development of loneliness and social isolation after spousal loss: A systematic review of longitudinal studies on widowhood. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024. [PMID: 39175111 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spousal loss is a stressful life event that is associated with loneliness and social isolation, both of which affect mental and physical health. The primary objective of this paper was to synthesize longitudinal studies that investigated loneliness and social isolation in widowhood. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was conducted using three electronic databases. 26 longitudinal studies published through June 2024 were included for further analysis. Participant characteristics, study design, and key findings were extracted. RESULTS Most studies were from the United States or Europe, included more widows than widowers, and assessed loneliness in older adults aged >60 years. Loneliness peaked directly following spousal death, but findings were inconsistent regarding the lasting effects of widowhood. Heterogeneity in the longitudinal trajectories of loneliness was noted, with studies showing linear increases, decreases, or curvilinear relationships over time. Several factors modified the relationship between widowhood and loneliness, including volunteerism, military experience, income, and age. Widowers consistently reported greater loneliness and worse social isolation when compared with widows. Few studies investigated social isolation specifically, but those that did found that social isolation may decrease in widowhood. CONCLUSIONS As the world grapples with a social pandemic of loneliness and social isolation, widowed adults may be uniquely affected. Few studies investigated the longitudinal trajectory of loneliness and especially social isolation in widowhood, and those that did found heterogenous results. Future work is needed to understand why some widowed adults are uniquely affected by feelings of loneliness and social isolation while others are not, and whether potentially modifiable factors that moderate or mediate this relationship could be leveraged by psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Niino
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Molly A Patapoff
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Brent T Mausbach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Alison A Moore
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Benjamin H Han
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Barton W Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Dylan J Jester
- Women's Operational Military Exposure Network Center of Excellence (WOMEN CoE), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Hansen T, Nes RB, Hynek K, Nilsen TS, Reneflot A, Stene-Larsen K, Tornes RA, Bidonde J. Tackling social disconnection: an umbrella review of RCT-based interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1917. [PMID: 39020331 PMCID: PMC11256365 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19396-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social isolation and loneliness are urgent public health concerns associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes. Understanding effective remedies is crucial in addressing these problems. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise scientific evidence on the effectiveness of social isolation and loneliness interventions overall and across subgroups. We focused on systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS We searched seven databases (June 2022 and updated June 2023) and supplemented the search with grey literature and reference screening to identify SRs published since 2017. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the AMSTAR2 tool were conducted independently by author pairs, with disagreements resolved through discussion. RESULTS We included 29 SRs, 16 with meta-analysis and 13 with narrative synthesis. All SRs focused on loneliness, with 12 additionally examining social isolation. Four SRs focused on young people, 11 on all ages, and 14 on older adults. The most frequently examined intervention types were social (social contact, social support), psychological (therapy, psychoeducation, social skills training), and digital (e.g., computer use and online support). Meta-analyses indicated small-to-moderate beneficial effects, while narrative synthesis demonstrated mixed or no effect. Social interventions for social isolation and psychological interventions for loneliness were the most promising. However, caution is warranted due to the effects' small magnitude, significant heterogeneity, and the variable quality of SRs. Digital and other interventions showed mixed or no effect; however, caution is advised in interpreting these results due to the highly diverse nature of the interventions studied. CONCLUSIONS This overview of SRs shows small to moderate effectiveness of social interventions in reducing social isolation and psychological ones in tackling loneliness. Further rigorously conducted RCTs and SRs are needed to guide policy decisions regarding the implementation of efficacious and scalable interventions. Evaluation should focus on both preventive structural interventions and tailored mitigating strategies that address specific types and causes of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hansen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
- Promenta Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ragnhild Bang Nes
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Promenta Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kamila Hynek
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Sevenius Nilsen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Promenta Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Reneflot
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kim Stene-Larsen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Agathe Tornes
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julia Bidonde
- School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Robinson E, Dickins M, Lad L, Beard S, McGill D, Hayes J, Fabri AM, Wade H, Meyer C, Lowthian JA. Adaptation and Implementation of a Volunteer-Delivered, Telephone-Based, Social Support Program HOW-R-U? During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pragmatic Study. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae034. [PMID: 38656333 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae034] [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: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Public health concerns surrounding social isolation and loneliness heightened during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as infection prevention measures led to increased feelings of loneliness and depression. Our objective was to evaluate the implementation of the HOW-R-U? program, during the pandemic (March 2020-December 2021). HOW-R-U? is a weekly volunteer-delivered telephone program designed to facilitate social connection and ease feelings of social isolation, loneliness, and depression in older people. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This pragmatic study used the Implementation Framework for Aged Care to adapt and implement HOW-R-U? in an Australian aged and community care organization and a tertiary health service in Melbourne. The evaluation involved analysis of program data, semistructured interviews, and surveys with program recipients, volunteers, and referrers. A process evaluation was conducted alongside an assessment of outcomes including pre- and post-symptoms of isolation, depression, and loneliness. RESULTS The implementation evaluation indicated that codesigned systems and processes effectively supported the ongoing implementation of HOW-R-U? with transition into business as usual across both organizations. Recipients reported that telephone calls had a positive impact on their lives, whereas volunteers reported enjoyment of supporting others. Several challenges were identified, namely in program reach and fidelity. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS HOW-R-U? was well regarded by all involved, and evaluation learnings have informed implementation into business as usual by both organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marissa Dickins
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Southern Synergy, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lina Lad
- Bolton Clarke, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Henni Wade
- Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Meyer
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judy A Lowthian
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Gunnes M, Løe IC, Kalseth J. Exploring the impact of information and communication technologies on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review of reviews. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:215. [PMID: 38431561 PMCID: PMC10908002 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04837-1] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognizing the escalating public health concerns of loneliness and social isolation in aging populations, this study seeks to comprehensively explore the potential of information and communication technology (ICT)-based interventions to address these issues among older adults. This scoping review of reviews aims to map and synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness and scope of ICT interventions targeting loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults, elucidating types of technology, impacts, facilitators, barriers, and research gaps. METHODS Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, we systematically searched eight diverse databases identifying relevant published reviews. We included English-written, peer-reviewed reviews of all types, with no limits regarding time of publication about ICTs targeting loneliness and/or social isolation for community-dwelling older adults. Eligible reviews were analysed and summarized, offering a holistic narrative of the reported types of ICTs and their impact, the identified facilitators and barriers influencing the implementation and adoption of ICT interventions, and the research gaps identified in the literature. RESULTS The review included 39 publications published between 2012 and 2024, spanning systematic, scoping, and reviews of reviews. Various ICTs were reported, primarily social media virtual communities, followed by video-mediated friendly visits, conversational agents, social robots, exergames and online gameplay. Predominantly positive impacts on mitigating social isolation and loneliness were evident for these ICTs, although methodological diversity and contradictory findings complicated definite conclusions. Facilitators and barriers encompassed individual competencies, access and usage, and intervention design and implementation. Research gaps involved targeting specific subgroups, exploring innovative technologies, incorporating diverse study designs, improving research methodologies, and addressing usability and accessibility. Future research should focus on identifying elderly individuals who can benefit the most from ICT use, exploring novel technologies, using a wider range of study designs, and enhancing usability and accessibility considerations. CONCLUSIONS This review sheds light on the diverse range of ICTs, their impact, and the facilitators and barriers associated with their use. Future investigations should prioritize refining outcome measures, addressing gender differences, and enhancing the usability and accessibility of interventions. The involvement of older adults in the design process and the exploration of technological training interventions hold promise in overcoming barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Gunnes
- Department of Health Research, SINTEF Digital, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ida-Camilla Løe
- Department of Technology Management, SINTEF Digital, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Jorid Kalseth
- Department of Health Research, SINTEF Digital, Trondheim, Norway
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Patapoff MA, Jester DJ, Daly RE, Mausbach BT, Depp CA, Glorioso DK. Remotely-administered resilience and self-compassion intervention targeting loneliness and stress in older adults: a single-case experimental design. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:369-376. [PMID: 37814972 PMCID: PMC10842569 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2262411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness and chronic stress are prevalent issues for older adults that have been linked to adverse health outcomes. We conducted a remote resilience and self-compassion intervention targeting loneliness and chronic stress. METHODS This study utilized a multiple-phase-change single-case experimental design with three consecutive 6-week phases: control, intervention, follow-up. Assessments and biomarker collection (blood pressure, inflammation, sleep actigraphy) were conducted at each phase. Participants completed a 6-week remotely-administered resilience and self-compassion intervention using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and resilience training. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted over the 12-week period from control (week 0) to intervention completion (week 12) and over the 18-week period from control (week 0) to follow-up (week 18) in supplemental analyses. RESULTS Participants reported a reduction in stress (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.15), depression (p = 0.02; ηp2 = 0.08), and loneliness (p = 0.003; ηp2 = 0.18), and an increase in self-compassion (p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.13) from control to intervention completion (weeks 0-12). Post-hoc tests revealed that stress reduced significantly during the intervention phase (weeks 6-12) and loneliness reduced significantly during the control phase (weeks 0-6). Some improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, and sleep quality were noted in a subsample of participants. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that our remote resilience and self-compassion intervention for older adults targeting loneliness and chronic stress was efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Patapoff
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dylan J Jester
- Women's Operational Military Exposure Network (WOMEN), VA Palo Alto Health Care System
| | - Rebecca E Daly
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Brent T Mausbach
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Colin A Depp
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Danielle K Glorioso
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Wang Y, Li X, Yao L, Ren T, Wang T. Effectiveness of social support programmes on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073739. [PMID: 38072487 PMCID: PMC10729098 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of loneliness among older adults is of great importance in the field of public health. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of social support as a powerful intervention for reducing loneliness in older individuals. However, the specific types of social support that yield positive results are yet to be determined. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive review to compare and analyse the effectiveness of different support mechanisms in alleviating loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A thorough search will be conducted on various electronic databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database (Weipu), WanFang Database, and China Biology Medicine Disc. The search will include randomised controlled trials published in English or Chinese that focus on interventions for loneliness in older individuals, with loneliness as the primary measure of interest. The selection and choice of articles will be the responsibility of both reviewers. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomised Controlled Trials will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included trials. When sufficient data are obtained and the study is relatively homogeneous, a random-effects or fixed-effects model will be employed to conduct a meta-analysis, yielding a descriptive synthesis of the findings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval will not be sought for this systematic review as it will exclusively focus on published papers. The review findings will be showcased at a conference dedicated to this specific field and published in an appropriate journal that undergoes peer evaluation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020226523.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhua Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | | | - Li Yao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tingting Ren
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tingshu Wang
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Zhong BL, Yuan MD, Li F, Sun P. The Psychological Network of Loneliness Symptoms Among Chinese Residents During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:3767-3776. [PMID: 37705850 PMCID: PMC10497046 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s424565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Social distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to increased levels of loneliness, but the specific interactions between loneliness symptoms in the context of the pandemic remain unknown. This study characterized the psychological network of loneliness symptoms in residents during the initial wave of COVID-19 outbreak in China. Patients and Methods The study recruited 8472 Chinese residents (61.5% women, aged 33.0±10.6 years) through online snowball sampling. The Six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) was used to measure loneliness symptoms. Central symptoms of and bridge symptoms between emotional and social loneliness subscales were identified based on centrality and bridge centrality indices, respectively. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedures. Results The nodes in the loneliness network were separated into two groups, corresponding to the social and emotional loneliness domains of the DJGLS. The strongest direction association was between "no reliable people" and "no trustworthy people" (edge weight=0.546). "No trustworthy people" has the highest node strength (1.047) in the loneliness network, followed by "emptiness sense" (0.767) and "no reliable people" (0.749). "Feeling of rejection" (1.672) and "no close people" (0.403) showed the first and second highest bridge strengths, respectively. Both the stability and accuracy tests supported robustness of the whole network. Conclusion Interventions targeting central symptoms "no trustworthy people" and "emptiness sense" and central bridge symptom "feeling of rejection" may be effective for alleviating the overall level of loneliness in pandemic-affected Chinese residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Liang Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Di Yuan
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Huangpu District Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Huangpu District Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Adekpedjou R, Léon P, Dewidar O, Al‐Zubaidi A, Jbilou J, Kaczorowski J, Muscedere J, Hirdes J, Heckman G, Girard M, Hébert PC. Effectiveness of interventions to address different types of vulnerabilities in community-dwelling older adults: An umbrella review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1323. [PMID: 37180567 PMCID: PMC10168691 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Frailty, social isolation, loneliness, and poverty may render older adults vulnerable to social or health stressors. It is imperative to identify effective interventions to address them especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To identify effective community-based interventions to address frailty, social isolation, loneliness, and poverty among community-dwelling older adults. Design Umbrella review. Data Source We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, EBM-Reviews, CINAHL via EBSCO, and APA PsycInfo via Ovid from January 2009 to December 2022. Eligibility Criteria We included systematic reviews or quantitative reviews of non-pharmacologic interventions targeting community-dwelling older adults. Data Selection Extraction and Management Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts, performed data extraction and appraised the methodological quality of the reviews. We used a narrative synthesis approach to summarize and interpret the findings. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies using AMSTAR 2.0 tool. Results We identified 27 reviews incorporating 372 unique primary studies that met our inclusion criteria. Ten of the reviews included studies conducted in low-middle-income countries. Twelve reviews (46%, 12/26) included interventions that addressed frailty. Seventeen reviews (65%, 17/26) included interventions that addressed either social isolation or loneliness. Eighteen reviews included studies with single component interventions, while 23 reviews included studies with multi-component interventions. Interventions including protein supplementation combined with physical activity may improve outcomes including frailty status, grip strength, and body weight. Physical activity alone or in combination with diet may prevent frailty. Additionally, physical activity may improve social functioning and interventions using digital technologies may decrease social isolation and loneliness. We did not find any review of interventions addressing poverty among older adults. We also noted that few reviews addressed multiple vulnerabilities within the same study, specifically addressed vulnerability among ethnic and sexual minority groups, or examined interventions that engaged communities and adapted programs to local needs. Conclusion Evidence from reviews support diets, physical activity, and digital technologies to improve frailty, social isolation or loneliness. However, interventions examined were primarily conducted under optimal conditions. There is a need for further interventions in community settings and conducted under real world settings in older adults living with multiple vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhéda Adekpedjou
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Pascale Léon
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Omar Dewidar
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Ali Al‐Zubaidi
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jalila Jbilou
- Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau‐Brunswick et École de psychologie, Faculté des sciences de la santé et des services communautairesUniversité de MonctonNouveau‐BrunswickCanada
| | - Janusz Kaczorowski
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - John Muscedere
- Department of Critical Care MedicineQueens University and Canadian Frailty NetworkKingstonOntarioCanada
| | - John Hirdes
- Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau‐Brunswick et École de psychologie, Faculté des sciences de la santé et des services communautairesUniversité de MonctonNouveau‐BrunswickCanada
| | - George Heckman
- School of Public Health and Health SystemsUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooCanada
- Schlegel Research Institute for AgingWaterlooCanada
| | - Magali Girard
- Bureau de Recherche Développement ValorisationUniversité de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Paul C. Hébert
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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Zhang H, Välimäki M, Li X, Nan J, Wu S, Zeng X, Duan Y, Feng H. Barriers and facilitators of digital interventions use to reduce loneliness among older adults: a protocol for a qualitative systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067858. [PMID: 36456019 PMCID: PMC9716780 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital interventions are considered as a potential solution to loneliness in older adults. However, this type of intervention has had limited acceptance among older adults (aged ≥60 years). To ensure the use of digital interventions in older adults, possible barriers and facilitating factors should be better understood from the user's perspective. We aim to systematically examine the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital interventions designed to reduce loneliness in older adults by identifying, evaluating and synthesising qualitative studies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A comprehensive search of qualitative studies for barriers and facilitators for use of digital interventions will be conducted in the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies reported in English will be considered for this review. Grey literature will not be included. Two reviewers (HZ and XL) will independently screen the literatures, and any differences will be solved by turning to the third reviewer (JN). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Qualitative Research Critical Appraisal Checklist will be used by two reviewers to independently assess the validity of the methods used. Relevant data about the populations, context, culture, geographical location, study methods and barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital interventions will be extracted using the JBI standardised data extraction tool. JBI meta-aggregation methods will be implemented to synthesise the data, which will generate themes and categories based on the data. The final synthesis will establish confidence levels using the JBI ConQual approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol does not require ethical approval. The data are based on published scientific databases. The results will be disseminated through journal articles and scientific conference presentations (if feasible). PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022328609.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Maritta Välimäki
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiahui Nan
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianmei Zeng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yunzhu Duan
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Xiangya-Oceanwide Health Management Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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