The impact of social isolation on the health status and health-related quality of life of older people.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate for socially isolated older people, and older people at risk of social isolation: (1) health status and health-related quality of life (HRQL); (2) the relationship between social isolation and health status/HRQL; (3) the relationship between two alternative measures of health status/HRQL.


METHODS
Older people at risk of social isolation (n = 393) completed the EQ-5D and the SF-12. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between levels of social isolation and health status/HRQL, controlling for demographic/clinical characteristics. The agreement between EQ-5D and SF-6D (SF-12) scores was explored using descriptive psychometric techniques.


RESULTS
Health status and health state values were much lower than UK general population age-matched norms. After controlling for depression, physical co-morbidities, age, gender, living alone status, employment and accommodation, social isolation was significantly associated, to a degree that was clinically relevant, with EQ-5D DSI, SF-6D (SF-12) and SF-12 MCS scores. The potential for ceiling effects on the EQ-5D with this population was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
This work highlights the burden that social isolation may have on the health and well-being of older people. The potential HRQL gains from addressing social isolation may be considerable, with those at risk of social isolation also a key target group.
Hawton
Annie
A
Institute of Health Service Research, Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Exeter, Veysey Building, Salmon Pool Lane, Exeter, Devon EX2 4SG, UK. annie.hawton@pms.ac.uk
Green
Colin
C
Dickens
Andy P
AP
Richards
Suzanne H
SH
Taylor
Rod S
RS
Edwards
Rachel
R
Greaves
Colin J
CJ
Campbell
John L
JL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D006113:United Kingdom