Factors Related to Loneliness Among Older Persons Living in Extended Families in Rural Areas

Authors

  • Wichcharinee Boonsanong Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University
  • Totsaporn Khampolsiri Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University
  • Rojanee Chintanawat Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University

Keywords:

Loneliness, Older Persons, Extended Families, Rural Areas, Factors

Abstract

Loneliness can be found in older persons, and can affect them physically, mentally, and socially. Therefore, knowing factors related to loneliness can help relieve loneliness in older persons. The purposes of this study were to investigate the level of loneliness and the relationship between self-esteem, family relationship, social support and loneliness among older persons living in extended families in rural areas. The participants consisted of 85 older persons living in extended families in rural areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Multi-stage sampling was used to select the sample. The instruments used in this study were demographic data questionnaires, a self-esteem scale, a family relationship scale, a social support scale, and a loneliness scale. The reliability of the scales were 0.878, 0.840, 0.818, and 0.859, respectively. Data were analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The results revealed that: 1. Older persons living in extended families in rural areas had a low level of loneliness, 2. Self-esteem was significantly, negatively related to loneliness in older persons living in extended families in rural areas (r = -0.476, p < 0.01), 3. Family relationship was negatively significantly related to loneliness in older persons living in extended families in rural areas (r = -0.501, p < 0.01), 4. Social support was negatively significantly related to loneliness in older persons living in extended families in rural areas (r = -0.655, p < 0.01). The results of this research are useful for those involved with promoting good family and social relationships, and the self-esteem of older persons in order to prevent their loneliness.

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Published

2021-12-20

How to Cite

Boonsanong, W., Khampolsiri, T., & Chintanawat, R. (2021). Factors Related to Loneliness Among Older Persons Living in Extended Families in Rural Areas. Nursing Journal CMU, 48(4), 257–267. Retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/cmunursing/article/view/255343