Understanding Loneliness in an Aging Population of Costa Rica
Author Information
Author(s): Leahy Nicholas, Rallo Melissa, Pedersen Lillianna, Wan Christine, Konduru Hima, Bailey Shania, Vetack Alexis, Mora Wendel, Gupta Shailvi, Guzmán Carlos Faerron
Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and associated factors of social and emotional loneliness in elderly patients in Coto Brus, Costa Rica?
Conclusion
The study found that a high degree of social and emotional loneliness exists among elderly individuals in Coto Brus, with education and marital status serving as protective factors.
Supporting Evidence
- 60.3% of participants reported at least a moderate degree of loneliness.
- The average score for emotional loneliness was 2.67 on a 6-point scale.
- Education and marital status were identified as protective factors against loneliness.
Takeaway
Older people in Costa Rica often feel lonely, especially if they have lost a close friend or partner, but having a good education and being married can help them feel less lonely.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using face-to-face interviews and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale.
Potential Biases
The reliance on convenience sampling may skew results towards individuals with stronger social networks.
Limitations
The study used convenience sampling, which may exclude those with severe loneliness who do not participate in community activities.
Participant Demographics
{"age_distribution":{"65-74":41,"75_and_above":22},"sex_assigned_at_birth":{"male":21,"female":42},"marital_status":{"married":30,"not_married":33},"education_level":{"incomplete_primary":24,"complete_primary":38}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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