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Fulltext Conversational Task Increases Heart Rate Variability of Individuals Susceptible to Perceived Social Isolation

Feng YX, Roslan NS, Izhar LI, Abdul Rahman M, Faye I, Ho ETW

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 09 18;18(18).
PMID: 34574777 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189858

Studies showed that introversion is the strongest personality trait related to perceived social isolation (loneliness), which can predict various complications beyond objective isolation such as living alone. Lonely individuals are more likely to resort to social media for instantaneous comfort, but it is not a perpetual solution. Largely negative implications including poorer interpersonal relationship and depression were reported due to excessive social media usage. Conversational task is an established intervention to improve verbal communication, cognitive and behavioral adaptation among lonely individuals. Despite that behavioral benefits have been reported, it is unclear if they are accompanied by objective benefits underlying physiological changes. Here, we investigate the physiological signals from 28 healthy individuals during a conversational task. Participants were ranked by trait extraversion, where greater introversion is associated with increased susceptibility to perceived social isolation as compared to participants with greater extraversion as controls. We found that introverts had a greater tendency to be neurotic, and these participants also exhibited significant differences in task-related electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) as compared to controls. Notably, resting state HRV among individuals susceptible to perceived loneliness was below the healthy thresholds established in literature. Conversational task with a stranger significantly increased HRV among individuals susceptible to isolation up to levels as seen in controls. Since HRV is also elevated by physical exercise and administration of oxytocin hormone (one form of therapy for behavioral isolation), conversational therapy among introverts could potentially confer physiological benefits to ameliorate social isolation and loneliness. Our findings also suggest that although the recent pandemic has changed how people are interacting typically, we should maintain a healthy dose of social interaction innovatively.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness*
Perceived Social Support and Life Satisfaction of Malaysian Chinese Young Adults: The Mediating Effect of Loneliness

Gan SW, Ong LS, Lee CH, Lin YS

J Genet Psychol, 2020 08 13;181(6):458-469.
PMID: 32787705 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2020.1803196

This paper examined the role of loneliness in mediating the relation between social support and life satisfaction among Chinese young adults within the Malaysian context. Young adults (N = 275; Mage = 22.41; SD = 1.76; 57.5% females) completed self-administered questionnaires on the scales of perceived social support, loneliness and life satisfaction. The results of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed a partial mediation effect of loneliness on the relation between social support and life satisfaction. The integration of the bottom-up theory of subjective well-being and social cognitive theory is included to explain the mediating process. The results revealed that perceived social support can relate to a lower level of loneliness, which could eventually lead to higher levels of young adults' life satisfaction. Overall, the findings highlighted the importance of social support as well as their loneliness as a mediating pathway in promoting Malaysian Chinese young adults' life satisfaction. Interventions are also suggested to optimize life satisfaction as a whole.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*
Perceived Loneliness, Peer, and Parental Relationship With Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Adolescents Across South-East Asia

McClure-Thomas C, Lim C, Sebayang S, Fausiah F, Gouda H, Leung J

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2022 Nov;34(8):770-777.
PMID: 35880310 DOI: 10.1177/10105395221115220

Tobacco use among youth in the South-East Asian region is quite prevalent. This study aims to examine if psychosocial factors (perceived loneliness, peer, and parental relationships) were associated with adolescent smoking, and whether the effects were different according to sex and age. Data came from the Global School-based Student Health Surveys collected between 2012 and 2015 in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. 64 578 (males = 48.5%) adolescents aged 13-18 completed the survey. Prevalence of past-month cigarette use was 10.6%. Adolescent smoking was associated with loneliness (OR = 1.75), lack of close friends (OR = 1.43), and lack of parental understanding (OR = 1.35). There was significant interactions between sex with loneliness, close friends, and parental understanding (p < .001). Interactions indicated having no close friends is associated with smoking and is stronger for females than males. Conversely, loneliness was associated with smoking more strongly in males than females. Results indicate that psychosocial factors are linked to adolescent smoking in South-East Asia, suggesting a further need for research on the relation of psychosocial factors with smoking, and their underlying factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness*
The effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy for loneliness, anxiety and depression in older adults in long-term care: a systematic review

Syed Elias SM, Neville C, Scott T

Geriatr Nurs, 2015 Sep-Oct;36(5):372-80.
PMID: 26099638 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.05.004

Loneliness, anxiety and depression are common problems for older adults in long-term care. Reminiscence therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that may be of some benefit. In comparison to individual reminiscence therapy, group reminiscence therapy is a preferred option when dealing with the resource constraints of long-term care. The aim of this paper was to systematically review the literature in order to explore the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy for older adults with loneliness, anxiety and depression in long-term care. Results indicated that group reminiscence therapy is an effective treatment for depression in older adults, however to date, there is limited research support for its effectiveness to treat loneliness and anxiety. Further research and an improvement in methodological quality, such as using qualitative and mixed methods approaches, is recommended to help establish an evidence base and provide better understanding of the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
Fulltext Depression and its relationship to loneliness and life events among urban poor in the federal territory, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Siti Nor Radhiah Muhammad Y, Nor Ba’yah Abdul K

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2016;30:133-141.

This study examines the relationship between loneliness, life events and depression among 178 adults in the disadvantage community of Malaysia and to determine predictors of depression. A set of standardized questionnaires was used to measure depression, loneliness and stressful life events. The results showed that loneliness and stressful life events were related to depression. Results also showed that loneliness was a predictor of depression. Implications of the study in terms of theory and practice are also discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
Fulltext Prevalence of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among older people living in long-term care: a review

Sharifah Munirah Syed Elias

International Journal of Care Scholars, 2018;1(1):39-43.
MyJurnal

Objective: The aim of this paper was to review prevalence rates of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among older people living in long-term care settings such as residential aged care facilities, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Method: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using several electronic databases including Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library.

Results: In total, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. The results indicated that the prevalence rates of loneliness (56% to 95.5%), anxiety (3.6% to 38%), and depression (11% to 85.5%) in older people living in long-term care settings are generally high.

Conclusion: Further research on effective methods of reducing these symptoms is recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
Kesunyian dan kesejahteraan psikologi di kalangan pelajar Universiti di Malaysia

Nordin NM, Mansor AT

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2009;olume 23:13-21.

This study addresses lhe association between loneliness and psychological well-being among university students in Malaysia. The study used a multistage cluster sample consisting of 1,467 students who came from five Malaysian universities. Psychological well-being variables in this study were measured through the 12-item General Health Questionnaire scale (GHQ-12) by Golberg (1978). The loneliness variables were measured by using the 14- item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale by Russell, Peplau and Cutrona (1980). The'cut-off point 5/6' for the GHQ-12 was used to determine the level of psychological well-being among the respondents. Correlation and one-way ANOVA analyses were also done. Generally, the main results showe that about 65.6% of university students in Malaysia indicated a good level of psychological well-being and about 34.4% of university students reported having some psychological problems. In addition, about 59.6% of university students reported having a moderate level of loneliness. Based on the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale scale, a moderate level of loneliness means these students had a moderate level of satisfaction in interpersonal relationships. Other results of significant tests were obtained. Implications of results are also discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
Fulltext Family support and loneliness among older persons in multiethnic Malaysia

Teh JK, Tey NP, Ng ST

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:654382.
PMID: 25383374 DOI: 10.1155/2014/654382

This study investigates factors affecting older persons' state of loneliness in multiethnic Malaysia using data from the 2004 Malaysian Population and Family Survey, the first nationally representative sample in Malaysia. The study sample was extracted to include Malays, Chinese, Indians and other Indigenous groups aged 60 and above, and who had children (n = 1791). Cross tabulations and ordinal logistic regression methods were used in the analysis. Among the ethnic groups, older Malays were more likely than their Chinese and Indian counterparts to experience loneliness. Loneliness was found to be associated with age, marital status, education level, sources of income, health status, and physical limitations. Among older people, feelings of loneliness were inversely related with coresidence with adult children and participation in religious activities. Sociodemographic changes have eroded the traditional family support system for the elderly, while social security remains inadequate. This study shows the important role of family in alleviating loneliness among older people. Hence the need to promote and facilitate coresidence, as well as participation in religious activities, and a healthy lifestyle as a priority strategy is in line with the objectives of the National Policy for the Older People.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*
Loneliness as a risk factor for hypertension in later life

Momtaz YA, Hamid TA, Yusoff S, Ibrahim R, Chai ST, Yahaya N, et al.

J Aging Health, 2012 Jun;24(4):696-710.
PMID: 22422758 DOI: 10.1177/0898264311431305

The present study aims to determine the impact of loneliness on hypertension in later life.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*
The effects of brief individual cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and homesickness among international students in Malaysia

Saravanan C, Alias A, Mohamad M

J Affect Disord, 2017 10 01;220:108-116.
PMID: 28618312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.037

BACKGROUND: Students who go to other countries for higher education face various psychological problems, particularly homesickness and depression. The objectives of this study were to: (a) identify differences between students who did and did not receive brief individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression to reduce homesickness; (b) identify whether brief individual CBT for depression reduces the level of homesickness in students between pre-, post- and follow-up assessment; and (c) compare the scores of students experiencing only homesickness and those experiencing both homesickness and depression.
METHOD: The sample consisted of 520 first-year undergraduate international students. The experimental group contained students who were diagnosed with depression and homesickness and received seven sessions of brief individual CBT for depression to reduce homesickness. The control group contained students who were diagnosed with depression and homesickness and received one session of advice and suggestions. The comparison group contained students who experienced only homesickness and did not receive any interventions. The study used the comparison group to determine if an interaction effect existed between students experiencing only homesickness and students experiencing both homesickness and depression.
RESULTS: Students who received brief individual CBT displayed a significant reduction in their homesickness and depression scores compared to the scores of students in the control group. Students who experienced only homesickness exhibited a significant reduction in the scores on homesickness in the post-assessment compared to the control group's post-assessment homesickness scores.
LIMITATION: The results of this study cannot be generalized as data were collected from three universities in Malaysia. The follow-up assessment was conducted six months after the post-assessment, which also limits generalizability beyond six months.
CONCLUSION: Overall, homesickness is considered a normal reaction. Brief individual CBT for depression is effective in reducing homesickness and depression among international students.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness*
Shyness, Loneliness Avoidance, and Internet Addiction: What are the Relationships?

Ang CS, Chan NN, Lee CS

J Psychol, 2018 Jan 02;152(1):25-35.
PMID: 29236584 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2017.1399854

Given that shyness has been consistently linked to Internet addiction in youth, an examination into the mediating effect of a desire to avoid loneliness on the shyness-Internet addiction link could offer potential insights into a possible explanatory mechanism as well as directions for Internet addiction prevention and intervention in young adulthood. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the mediating role of loneliness avoidance in the relationship between shyness and Internet addiction among 286 youth Internet users. Shyness was significantly and positively correlated with loneliness avoidance and Internet addiction. In addition, loneliness avoidance was significantly and positively correlated with Internet addiction. Most importantly, loneliness avoidance may predispose shy youth to become addicted to the Internet. Theoretical and practical implications of the research findings for youth wellness are addressed in this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*
The mediating effect of Internet gaming disorder's symptoms on loneliness and aggression among undergraduate students and working adults in Malaysia

T'ng ST, Ho KH, Sim DE, Yu CH, Wong PY

Psych J, 2020 Feb;9(1):96-107.
PMID: 31797557 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.320

Insufficient attention has been given to the integration of the mediating effect of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms on loneliness and four components of aggression-physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility-in the Malaysian context. In the present study, 410 participants with (a) at least 1 year of Internet gaming experience and (b) between ages 20- to 39 years were recruited using the probability proportional to size sampling method. Participants were undergraduate students and working adults. Self-reported questionnaires (the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire) were used. The present study found that loneliness positively predicted four components of aggression (i.e., anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression) and symptoms of IGD. Relationships between loneliness and the four components of aggression were partially mediated by IGD symptoms. The present study enriches and consolidates existing empirical evidence, particularly in the Malaysian context. If the mediating effect is not emphasized, it may lead to spurious conclusions that can significantly diminish the effectiveness of interventions that are meant to manage aggression.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*
Validation of the Malay Version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale

Jaafar MH, Villiers-Tuthill A, Lim MA, Ragunathan D, Morgan K

Australas J Ageing, 2020 Mar;39(1):e9-e15.
PMID: 31115154 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12672

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) among older adults in Malaysia.
METHODS: A total of 200 participants aged 50 years and older completed the questionnaire in which 81 participants completed in BM. A subsample of 30 participants was retested after a period of 2 weeks.
RESULTS: The DJGLS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.71) and high test-retest reliability (r = 0.93). Convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate positive correlation between total DJGLS loneliness score and UCLA loneliness scale (ULS-8) (r = 0.56, n = 81, P

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*
Perceived Shame and Stigma, and Other Psychosocial Predictors of Psychological Distress Among Cancer Patients in Malaysia

Eyu HT, Nik Jaafar NR, Leong Abdullah MFI, Salleh Salimi HM, Mohamad Yunus MR, Ismail F, et al.

Psychooncology, 2024 Dec;33(12):e70020.
PMID: 39663181 DOI: 10.1002/pon.70020

BACKGROUND: Patients' sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, distress factors, perceived shame and stigma may give rise to psychological distress in cancer patients that bring about further psychosocial impact.
AIMS: (1) to determine the degrees of shame and stigma towards cancer and psychological distress among cancer patients in Malaysia and (2) to examine the clinical and psychosocial predictors of psychological distress.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 217 cancer patients. The participants were administered the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaires, the Malay version of the Shame and Stigma Scale (SSS-M) to assess for the degree of cancer shame and stigma, and the Malay version of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List to assess for presence of psychological distress and identify its sources.
RESULTS: There was a significant level of shame and stigma among cancer patients with the total mean SSS-M score of 12.08 (SD = 6.09). Anger (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 11.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.96-86.8, p = 0.001), loss of interest or enjoyment (AOR = 14.84, 95% CI = 2.93-75.20, p = 0.001), loneliness (AOR = 8.10, 95% CI = 1.13-58.02, p = 0.001), feeling of worthlessness or being a burden (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI = 1.32-29.59, p = 0.021), fear (AOR = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.79-11.43, p = 0.001), pain (AOR = 4.07, 95% CI = 1.53-10.82, p = 0.005), financial constraint (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.22-7.13, p = 0.016), and having regret (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.03-3.79, p = 0.039) increased the odds of developing psychological distress.
CONCLUSION: Treating clinicians should monitor for and provide psychosocial interventions for the biopsychosocial factors which may worsen psychological distress among cancer patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology
Fulltext Can Mindfulness Help to Alleviate Loneliness? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Teoh SL, Letchumanan V, Lee LH

Front Psychol, 2021;12:633319.
PMID: 33716901 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.633319

Objective: Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) has been proposed to alleviate loneliness and improve social connectedness. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of MBI. This study aimed to critically evaluate and determine the effectiveness and safety of MBI in alleviating the feeling of loneliness. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane CENTRAL, and AMED for publications from inception to May 2020. We included RCTs with human subjects who were enrolled in MBI with loneliness as an outcome. The quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias (ROB) tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Results: Out of 92 articles identified, eight studies involving 815 participants were included in this study. Most (7/8) trials conducted a minimum of 8 weeks of MBI. Most of the trials (5/8) used UCLA-Loneliness Scale. A pooled analysis combining three trials and compared with wait-list showed significant improvement in loneliness score reduction using the UCLA-R scale with MD of -6.33 [95% confidence interval (CI): -9.39, -3.26]. Subgroup analysis with only two Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) trials also showed similar MD of -6.05 (95% CI: -9.53, 2.58). The overall quality of evidence (GRADE) was low. Conclusions: Mindfulness intervention with an average length of 8-week duration significantly improved the population's loneliness level with no mental health issue. However, this evidence had a low GRADE level.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
Fulltext Loneliness among elderly in community residence at Pontian District, Johore

Rohani Mamat, Hussein S Z, Shamsudin K

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):44-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Loneliness is a major social problem among the elderly that has gone through almost all countries in the world. Even though loneliness is seen as the health-threatening but, the loneliness assessment is still marginal- ized in routine medical check-up for every senior citizen. Methods: This is a sequential explanatory mixed-method study with a cross-sectional community survey was conducted among 380 community residence elderly followed by in-depth interview among eight respondents. This study aims to measure the loneliness and to explore loneliness experienced by older adults. Data were collected using the short form of Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) and data were analysed using SPSS (version 23.0) for windows. In the qualitative study, eight re- spondents were interviewed face-to-face and data were analysed using thematic analysis Braun and Clarke (2006). Results: The results revealed that 37.2% of respondents had loneliness. Bivariate analyses showed the age, level of education and marital status were significantly associated with loneliness. The results of multiple logistic regression discovered gender (OR=1.75,95%CI:1.04-2.93; p=0.03) and marital status (OR=2.24,95%CI: 1.33-3.77;p= 0.002) were a significant predictor of loneliness. In a qualitative study, the result showed two main themes were recorded as causes of loneliness among the elderly are ‘changing the lifestyles’ and ‘ineffective communications. The sub-themes included ‘loss of someone who significant’, ‘limited physical mobility’, ‘all alone’ and ‘no support’. Conclusion: The issue of loneliness needs critically to be addressed even though Malaysia has not reached the ‘aging population’, but the loneliness prevalence experienced by the older adult has similarities with other countries that have attained that status.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
Fulltext A qualitative study on ageing related anxiety among middle aged women in Malaysia

Minhat H.S., Hamizah S., Nor Afiah Z.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(2):1-7.
MyJurnal

Ageing anxiety is commoner among women compared to men. However, little is known on the possible contributing factors towards the development of ageing related anxiety among Malaysian women. This study aimed to explore ageing anxiety among the middle-aged women in Malaysia in facing the ageing process. Series of 6 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted involving a total of 36 women aged between 35 and 59 years old. Each FGD consisted of 5 to 7 respondents and was conducted for an average of 1 to 2 hours. The respondents were selected using the maximum variation sampling method focussing on five age categories, between 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54 and 55 to 59 years old. Representative from several residential areas in the area of Putrajaya Federal Territory and Seri Kembangan, Selangor were involved in the selection of respondents. The interviews revealed that, majority of the respondents were seriously thinking of the possible negative experiences associated with ageing and being old, but very few experiencing ageing anxiety. Three main themes that were identified to contribute to the ageing anxiety were issues related to caregiving at old age and fear of loneliness, the welfare and care of their children when they are old and eventually die and also physical changes that occurred with ageing process. These themes were not specifically associated with any particular age groups, marital or income status. However, the development of the ageing anxiety was found to be related to their personal experiences and observations from the surrounding community. The findings show that women in Malaysia are still emphasizing on the importance of traditional caregiving system, where elderly parents are looked after by the children or extended family members rather than living in formal institutions. Despite the important role of formal institutions in the care of elderly people in the future, it is still negatively perceived. With the shrinking of the size of nuclear family and massive involvement of women in employment sector, more elderly will be expected to reside in formal institutions in the near future. Relevant authorities should be made aware on the importance to maintain the quality of care in the formal institution for elderly, in order to tackle the negative perceptions.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
Fulltext Smoking among school-going adolescents in selected secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia- findings from the Malaysian Adolescent Health Risk Behaviour (MyaHRB) study

Lim KH, Lim HL, Teh CH, Kee CC, Khoo YY, Ganapathy SS, et al.

Tob Induc Dis, 2017;15:9.
PMID: 28163668 DOI: 10.1186/s12971-016-0108-5

BACKGROUND: A multitude of studies have revealed that smoking is a learned behaviour during adolescence and efforts to reduce the incidence of smoking has been identified as long-term measures to curb the smoking menace. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence as well as the intra and inter-personal factors associated with smoking among upper secondary school students in selected schools in Peninsular Malaysia.
METHODS: A study was carried out in 2013, which involved a total of 40 secondary schools. They were randomly selected using a two-stage clustering sampling method. Subsequently, all upper secondary school students (aged 16 to 17 years) from each selected school were recruited into the study. Data was collected using a validated standardised questionnaire.
RESULTS: This study revealed that the prevalence of smoking was 14.6% (95% CI:13.3-15.9), and it was significantly higher among males compared to females (27.9% vs 2.4%, p

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness
General health mediates the relationship between loneliness, life satisfaction and depression. A study with Malaysian medical students

Swami V, Chamorro-Premuzic T, Sinniah D, Maniam T, Kannan K, Stanistreet D, et al.

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 2007 Feb;42(2):161-6.
PMID: 17180631

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between life satisfaction, loneliness, general health and depression among 172 medical students in Malaysia.
METHOD: Participants completed a questionnaire battery, which included the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, Beck's Depression Inventory, the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Satisfaction With Life Scale.
RESULTS: Life satisfaction was negatively and significantly correlated with suicidal attitudes, loneliness and depression; and positively with health, which was negatively and significantly correlated with depression and loneliness. Self-concept was negatively correlated with loneliness and depression, depression was positively and significantly correlated with loneliness. Mediational analyses showed that the effects of loneliness and life dissatisfaction on depression were fully mediated by health.
CONCLUSION: Even though less satisfied, and particularly lonelier, individuals are more likely to report higher levels of depression, this is only the case because both higher loneliness and life dissatisfaction are associated with poorer health. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in developing nations.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*
The impact of sensory impairment on cognitive performance, quality of life, depression, and loneliness in older adults

Harithasan D, Mukari SZS, Ishak WS, Shahar S, Yeong WL

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry, 2020 04;35(4):358-364.
PMID: 31736109 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5237

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sensory impairment (hearing loss only, vision loss only, and dual sensory impairment [DSI]) and depression, loneliness, quality of life, and cognitive performance in older adults.
METHODS: A total of 229 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older participated in this study. Variables were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Revised University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
RESULTS: There was an independent association between DSI and quality of life (P < .05) and between DSI and hearing loss alone and cognitive function (P < .05) in older adults. In addition, higher education was associated with better quality of life and cognitive function.
CONCLUSIONS: DSI is a significant factor affecting the quality of life and cognitive function in older adults. Sociodemographic factors such as education play an important role in improving quality of life and cognitive function. Thus, increasing the awareness of this disability is important to ensure that older adults receive the necessary support services and rehabilitation to improve their level of independence.

Matched MeSH terms: Loneliness/psychology*

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