ความชุกและปัจจัยสัมพันธ์กับความรู้สึกว้าเหว่ของผู้สูงอายุที่มารับบริการที่กองตรวจโรคผู้ป่วยนอก โรงพยาบาลพระมงกุฏเกล้า

Chidchanok  Chumthong; Korawee  Matesareyapong; Patsri  Srisuwan

Authors

Chidchanok Chumthong Department of Family medicine, Phramongkutklao hospital
Korawee Matesareyapong Department of Family medicine, Phramongkutklao hospital
Patsri Srisuwan Department of Family medicine, Phramongkutklao hospital

Keywords:

Loneliness, Older adults, Depression, Social factor, Outpatient setting

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of loneliness and its associated factors among older adults, as loneliness has become an increasing public health concern, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had long-term effects on social behaviors. This research employed a cross-sectional descriptive and analytic design and was conducted among 250 older adults aged 60 years and above attending the outpatient department at Phramongkutklao Hospital. Loneliness was assessed using the 6-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, and depression was evaluated using the 15-item Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-15). Demographic characteristics, health status, and social interaction data were also collected.

The results showed that 42.8% of participants experienced loneliness. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of loneliness included depression (Adjust OR = 28.93, p = 0.004), age ≥70 years (Adjust OR = 25.99, p < 0.001), male gender (Adjust OR = 9.44, p = 0.019), and the presence of health problems (Adjust OR = 26.75, p = 0.001). Conversely, protective factors included having at least a secondary level of education (Adjust OR = 0.11, p = 0.026), having hobbies (Adjust OR = 0.04, p = 0.001), and participating in social activities (Adjust OR = 0.08, p = 0.003), all of which were statistically significant in conclusion, loneliness among older adults is highly prevalent and is strongly associated with depression as well as health and social factors. Promoting social engagement, encouraging hobbies, and addressing mental health in older adults may help reduce the risk of loneliness

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