title: [Loneliness and self-management abilities in the visually impaired elderly].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Disciplinegroep Gezondheidswetenschappen, Sector F, Gezondheidswetenschappen, The Netherlands. m.a.alma@umcg.nl
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alma
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Van der Mei
authors.forename: W N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Feitsma
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Groothoff
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Van Tilburg
authors.forename: T P B M
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Suurmeijer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*