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Published on: February 11, 2014
[Loneliness and self-management abilities in the visually impaired elderly]
M A Alma1, S F Van der Mei, W N Feitsma
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Disciplinegroep Gezondheidswetenschappen, Sector F, Gezondheidswetenschappen, The Netherlands. m.a.alma@umcg.nl
Objectives:
To describe the degree of loneliness among the visually impaired elderly and to make a comparison with a matched reference group of the normally sighted elderly. In addition, we examined self-management abilities (SMAs) as determinants of loneliness among the visually impaired elderly.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional study, 173 visually impaired elderly persons completed telephone interviews. Loneliness and SMAs were assessed with the Loneliness Scale of De Jong Gierveld and the SMAS-30, respectively.
Results:
The prevalence of loneliness among the visually impaired elderly was higher compared to the reference group (50% vs 29%; p < .001). Multivariate hierarchical regression analysis showed that the SMA self-efficacy, partner status, and self-esteem were determinants of loneliness. Severity and duration of visual impairment had no effect on loneliness.
Discussion:
The relationship between SMAs (i.e., self-efficacy) and loneliness is promising, since SMAs can be learned through training. Consequently, self-management training may reduce feelings of loneliness. An adapted version of this paper was published in Journal of Aging and Health, doi: 10.1177/0898264311399758.
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