1Department of Medical-Surgical, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
2Faculty Member, Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic azad University, Abadeh Branch, Abadeh, Iran
3Department of Nursing, Borujen Faculty of Nursing, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
*Corresponding author: Mansureh Ghodusi, Department of Nursing, Islamic Azad University, Abadeh Branch, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Abadeh, Iran
Online published on 6 May, 2016.
Aging has become a global phenomenon and attention to matters at this stage is a social necessity. At this age, loneliness as result of lack of social relationships is one of the factors affecting the mental health of the elderly. The aim of this study is assessment of loneliness and relation with some demographic factors in elderly and non-elderly residents of nursing homes in Shahrekord city.
This study is a descriptive cross sectional study. The sample included 100 women and men over 60 years. Data was collected by the two part questionnaire including demographic factors and loneliness self-reported questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS/16 software.
The results showed that the rate of alone among elderly people in the nursing home is higher than seniors living in households. According to the results of the independent t-test loneliness among women elderly living in nursing homes compared with elderly woman was living in the household is higher.
Living with other family members feel they have a positive impact on the mental health of the elderly. Thus, according to Iranian orders mental and cultural status, home environment is the best position to meet the psychological needs. Well as the need for more senior housing authorities in order to formulate plans to investigate, detect and prevent the phenomenon of loneliness in old people too is essential
Loneliness, Elderly, Nursing homes
