Predictive role of loneliness in mental health of elderly people in Bushehr

Feeling lonely is one of the most important concerns of the elderly that can affect the mental health of the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive role of loneliness in mental health of elderly people in Bushehr in 1397.

In this cross-sectional correlational study, 318 elderly people registered in Bushehr comprehensive health centers were randomly selected. Demographic information form, Russell standard of feeling loneliness questionnaire and Goldberg general health questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 at the significant level of 0.05.

The results showed that the mean age of participants was 66.74±5.87. Mean score of feeling alone was 32.37 ± 8.60 and mental health was 50.42± 7.97. The results showed that there was a direct and significant statistical relationship between feelings of loneliness and mental health (β = 0.380, P <0.001). In addition, loneliness and demographic variables were able to significantly predict 38.1% of mental health changes. Also, the share of feeling lonely in explaining the variance of mental health was 12.3% (P <0.001).

The findings of this study showed that the elderly who felt lonely did not have good mental health. Therefore, it is necessary for health authorities to plan and act consciously on the factors affecting mental health, and especially on the sense of loneliness in the elderly.