Loneliness Experience Among Cognitively-intact Elderly Nursing Home Residents in Singapore – An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study

Created on 22nd November 2021

Conference: The Asian Conference on Aging & Gerontology (AGen2022)
Title: Loneliness Experience Among Cognitively-intact Elderly Nursing Home Residents in Singapore – An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study
Stream: Loneliness
Presentation Type: Virtual Poster Presentation
Authors:
Sin Yee Chew, National University Health System, Singapore

Abstract:

Loneliness is associated with poorer cognitive functions, lower quality of life, with increased mortality and healthcare utilization. Despite an estimated 2-5% of elderly residing in nursing homes, there is limited knowledge on their loneliness experience. This study seeks to obtain an indicative prevalence of loneliness among nursing home residents in Singapore, explore associations of loneliness with different variables, and better understand their loneliness experience. A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted between May to July 2018. Loneliness was determined by the UCLA three-item loneliness scale, with other information collected on health statuses and social contacts. 57 cognitively-intact nursing home residents above 65 years old were recruited for the quantitative strand, and prevalence ratios were estimated using modified Poisson model with robust estimator. Eight participants were recruited for the qualitative strand, where analysis was conducted using a line-by-line inductive approach with grounded theory techniques. 59.6% of study participants experienced loneliness. After statistical adjustment, significant associations were detected between frailty and loneliness, and history of falls and loneliness. The estimated prevalence ratio of loneliness among frail elderly is 1.37 times that of those pre-frail (p=0.018), and estimated prevalence ratio of loneliness among elderly with history of falls is 1.35 times that of those without (p <0.0001). The loneliness experience may be amplified by deficiencies in health, social contact, and engagement, and mitigated through reminiscence and anticipation. Individuals’ perspective of circumstances and autonomy may amplify or mitigate loneliness. With older and frailer residents, the observed loneliness experience may be unique to nursing homes.