Original Articles
Sociodemographic and Health-Related Risks for Loneliness and Outcome Differences by Loneliness Status in a Sample of U.S. Older Adults

Research in Gerontological Nursing  Vol. 3 No. 2 April 2010

By Laurie A. Theeke, PhD, FNP-BC, GCNS-BC

ABSTRACT

This study assesses sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with loneliness and outcome differences between loneliness groups using a sample of 13,812 older adults from the U.S Health and Retirement Study. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were followed by logistic regression to evaluate risks and analysis of covariance testing to determine outcome differences. Overall, prevalence of loneliness was 16.9%. Nonmarried status, poorer self-report of health, lower educational level, functional impairment, increasing number of chronic illnesses, younger age, lower income, and less people living in the household were all associated with loneliness. The chronically lonely group reported less exercise, more tobacco use, less alcohol use, a greater number of chronic illnesses, higher depression scores, and greater average number of nursing home stays. Future research evaluating the effectiveness of both prevention and treatment interventions for loneliness in older adults would provide empirical data to further guide gerontological nursing practice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Theeke is Assistant Professor, West Virginia University School of Nursing, Department of Health Restoration, Morgantown, West Virginia.

The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support. The author acknowledges Dr. Irene Tessaro, Dr. Susan McCrone, Dr. R. Turner Goins, Dr. June Lunney, and A.B. Billings for their support in this research effort.

Address correspondence to Laurie A. Theeke, PhD, FNP-BC, GCNS-BC, Assistant Professor, West Virginia University School of Nursing, Department of Health Restoration, PO Box 6400, Morgantown, WV 26506-6400; e-mail: laurietheeke@yahoo.com.

Received: May 15, 2008; Accepted: June 15, 2009; Posted: November 25, 2009

doi:10.3928/19404921-20091103-99