Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing (대한간호학회지)

Korean Society of Nursing Science (한국간호과학회)
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Factors Associated with Social Isolation in Older Adults using Senior Welfare Centers

복지회관 이용 노인의 사회적 고립감 예측요인

  • Park, Yeon-Hwan (The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University) ;
  • Kang, Hee-Sun (Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University)
  • 박연환 (서울대학교 간호대학, 서울대학교 간호과학연구소) ;
  • 강희선 (중앙대학교 간호학과)
  • Published : 2008.10.31
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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with social isolation in older adults using a senior welfare center. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected from June to August 2006 using a questionnaire. A total of 248 older adults responded. Results: About one third (34.9%) of participants responded they felt socially isolated. There were statistically significant differences in living, religion, family and belongingness social support, loneliness, depression, family function, perceived health status, and number of chronic illnesses between socially isolated and non isolated groups. However, factors influencing social isolation were family function (OR=0.954, CI=0.926-0.982), loneliness (OR=1.042, CI=1.002-1.083), depression (OR=1.041, CI=1.002-1.081), and number of chronic illness (OR=1.657, CI=1.153-2.382). Conclusion: We found that some older adults were feeling socially isolated even though the senior welfare center was a good place to meet people. The findings of this study indicated that older adults suffering from social isolation need special attention and may benefit from interventions which promote health and social interactions. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate an intervention program for this population.

Keywords

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