أثر الشعور بالوحدة على الاكتئاب لدى كبار السن المقيمين في دار رعاية المسنين والمجتمع: دراسة مقارنة

Impact of Feeling Loneliness upon Depression among Elderly Residents in Nursing Home and Community:A Comparative Study

Abstract

Loneliness and depression are serious public health concerns that could deteriorate their physical health quality of life and increase the risk of suicide
A descriptive correlation design was used in the current study from the period of 26th September 2022 to 16th July 2023 to assess elderly residents in nursing homes and the community for feelings of loneliness and depression, examine the impact of feelings of loneliness upon elderly people’s levels of depression to compare the level of depression among elderly people living with their families and in nursing homes, and to find out how the level of depression varies among elderly people according to their age, gender, level of education, family income, and nursing home setting. A judgmental (non-probability) sample of 125 elderly selected from nursing home in middle euphorites in Iraq and from community according to specific criteria.
The data were collected through interview by using two scales that are University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (20 items) geriatric depression scale (15 items). Data were analyzed and interpreted through use application of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS.26).
The results of the study demonstrate that depression is strongly associated with feeling of loneliness among elderly residents in nursing home and community by showing moderate level of feeling loneliness and depression the study reveals that elderly people in nursing home have higher level of depression than those in community.
The study concluded that elderly residents in nursing homes and communities experience moderate levels of loneliness and depression. Additionally, their depression is unaffected by their demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, monthly income, level of education, or occupation) and is instead primarily and significantly influenced by their sense of loneliness
The study recommended by Providing social and health programs to support the elderly, as well as conducting awareness elderly for caregivers and families on how to take care of the elderly residents in nursing home and those living with their families.