Loneliness and the Contributing Factors in the Elderly Patients with Type II Diabetes: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background & Aims: Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that could occur at any age. The incidence of type II diabetes increases with age. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of type II diabetes is higher among the elderly compared to other age groups. Type II diabetes is associated with various complications and may lead to several physical and mental problems in the elderly. Loneliness is one of the psychological complications in the elderly with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Loneliness is a unique psychological structure, which is characterized by feeling unhappy due to the lack or reduction of the expected interpersonal relationships. Loneliness is an important indicator of psychological health, with a two-way relationship with diabetes as it is also an important factor in the treatment of these patients. Loneliness in the elderly could lead to chronic diseases such as cardiac disorders, hypertension, stroke, obesity, diabetes, lung diseases, and even death. Identifying the psychological issues associated with diabetes is prioritized in health care. The present study aimed to assess loneliness and the contributing factors in the elderly with type II diabetes in order to determine the significant factors that may be associated with loneliness. Examining the state of loneliness as a psychological component in the elderly with diabetes could lay the groundwork for nursing interventions and improving healthcare resources for these patients. Materials & Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 257 elderlies diagnosed with insulin-dependent type II diabetes referring to the comprehensive health centers of the elderly affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences during October-December, 2019. The participants were selected via continuous sampling. The inclusion criteria were consent to participate, age of 60 years or more, no cognitive impairment (minimum score of 7 out of 10 in cognitive impairment test), ability to communicate, no known mental illnesses (based on the medical records statement of the patient), and definitive diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes (based on medical record). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire consisting of data on age, gender, In addition, preventive measures should be taken, and the importance of the issue should be explained to patients and their caregivers. It is recommended that interventional studies be performed to reduce the feeling of loneliness in the elderly with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes). Furthermore, opportunities should be provided for the public awareness of the importance of loneliness as a mental health alert that may affect chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes) and even mortality.