[Factors associated with social isolation in older adults using senior welfare centers].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with social isolation in older adults using a senior welfare center.


METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected from June to August 2006 using a questionnaire. A total of 248 older adults responded.


RESULTS
About one third (34.9%) of participants responded they felt socially isolated. There were statistically significant differences in living, religion, family and belongingness social support, loneliness, depression, family function, perceived health status, and number of chronic illnesses between socially isolated and non isolated groups. However, factors influencing social isolation were family function (OR=0.954, CI=0.926-0.982), loneliness (OR=1.042, CI=1.002-1.083), depression (OR=1.041, CI=1.002-1.081), and number of chronic illness (OR=1.657, CI=1.153-2.382).


CONCLUSIONS
We found that some older adults were feeling socially isolated even though the senior welfare center was a good place to meet people. The findings of this study indicated that older adults suffering from social isolation need special attention and may benefit from interventions which promote health and social interactions. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate an intervention program for this population.
Park
Yeon-Hwan
YH
The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Kang
Hee Sun
HS
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D012946:Social Welfare; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014175:Translating