The mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between social networks and self-neglect: A cross-sectional study of older adults living alone in rural China

IF 2.5 3区医学 Q3 GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

Geriatric Nursing Pub Date : 2025-06-12 DOI:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.103389

Yuling jia PhD , Yuexue yue MSN , Yu sheng PhD

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the interrelationships between social networks, loneliness, and self-neglect, focusing on the mediating role of loneliness.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, involving 582 older adults living alone in rural Southwest China. Participants completed validated scales:the Scale of the Elderly Self-neglect,the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale,the 6-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Mediation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS macro.

Results: Social isolation prevalence reached 38.5%, with 90% reporting loneliness. Social networks showed a negative correlation with self-neglect, whereas loneliness demonstrated a positive correlation with it. Loneliness partially mediated the relationship between social network and self-neglect, accounting for 37.22% of the total effect.

Conclusion: Impaired social connectivity and heightened loneliness were prevalent among rural older adults living alone, both significantly associated with self-neglect behaviors. Multidimensional community-based psychosocial interventions targeting both social networks enhancement and loneliness reduction are warranted.

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孤独在社会网络与自我忽视关系中的中介作用：中国农村独居老年人的横断面研究

目的：本研究旨在探讨社会网络、孤独感和自我忽视三者之间的相互关系，并着重探讨孤独感的中介作用。方法：于2023年12月至2024年2月对西南农村独居老年人582人进行横断面调查。参与者完成了有效的量表：老年人自我忽视量表、6项Lubben社会网络量表、6项UCLA孤独量表。采用SPSS PROCESS宏进行中介分析。结果：社会孤立率达38.5%，其中90%报告孤独。社交网络与自我忽视呈负相关，而孤独与自我忽视呈正相关。孤独感在社交网络和自我忽视之间起到部分中介作用，占总效应的37.22%。结论：农村独居老年人普遍存在社会连通性受损和孤独感加剧，两者均与自我忽视行为显著相关。以增强社会网络和减少孤独感为目标的多维社区社会心理干预是必要的。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Geriatric Nursing 医学-护理

CiteScore

3.80

自引率

7.40%

发文量

257

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： Geriatric Nursing is a comprehensive source for clinical information and management advice relating to the care of older adults. The journal''s peer-reviewed articles report the latest developments in the management of acute and chronic disorders and provide practical advice on care of older adults across the long term continuum. Geriatric Nursing addresses current issues related to drugs, advance directives, staff development and management, legal issues, client and caregiver education, infection control, and other topics. The journal is written specifically for nurses and nurse practitioners who work with older adults in any care setting.