Perception of loneliness in the elderly: a qualitative study
Section: Originals
How to quote
Giménez Ledo AJ, Calvo Ascarza A. Percepción de soledad en personas mayores: estudio cualitativo. RIdEC 2020; 13(1):80-90.
Authors
1 Álvaro Jesús Giménez Ledo, 1 Andrea Calvo Ascarza
Position
1 Enfermero/a especialista en Enfermería Familiar y Comunitaria. Institut Català de la Salut (ICS). SAP Baix Llobregat Centre. Barcelona
Contact email: alvarogimled@gmail.com
Abstract
Purpose: to understand the experience of loneliness from the perspective of people over 65 living alone.
Methods: a study using a phenomenological qualitative design. Two methodologies were proposed: a first phase at an individual level in the nursing office, where details were collected through semi-structured interviews; and a second phase by means of three focus groups participating in a community intervention group. A convenience sampling was used in people meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis involved representing all relevant data and determining appropriate categories by manual coding.
Results: results were stratified into categories, such as coping with loneliness, psychological aspects, family network, social network and others. Strengths and weaknesses were identified, with low self-esteem due to the process, social isolation, and self-care impairment being the most significant ones. Besides, the perception of the professionals and the impact of a community intervention were reflected, and the personal satisfaction derived from participating in sharing experiences and feeling understood in a context similar to that in which they are living was observed.
Conclusion: in the context of loneliness, a need for support that they do not find in their environment has been reported. Thus, community nurses play a key role in strengthening the mental and physical health of people suffering from loneliness by fostering personal autonomy and social relationships through the promotion of interventions by and for the community.
Keywords:
loneliness; social isolation; ageingcommunity health nursing
Versión en Español
Título:
Percepción de soledad en personas mayores: estudio cualitativo
Artículo completo no disponible en este idioma / Full article is not available in this language
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