Frequency of social isolation among older adults in Nepal

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSocial isolation is a recently documented modifiable risk factors for dementia but little is known about its prevalence in low and middle income countries (LMICs).1 Older adults in Nepal are increasingly at for risk for social isolation given trends of adult child migration to other communities. The resultant social isolation increases risk for depression, psychological distress, and dementia2‐3. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of social isolation among older adults of Nepal and its associated factors.MethodsA quantitative cross‐sectional study in Dhulikhel municipality of Nepal. Two geographical regions within the city were randomly selected. Systematic random sampling was used for the selection of respondents. We employed the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS‐18), a brief tool validated in LMIC, to quantify social isolation.4 Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v25.ResultsMore than half of respondents (52.3%) were age 60‐70 years, 56.1% were male, 55.1% were illiterate, and 59.8% were living in a nuclear family. More than one third (37.4%) met criteria for socially isolation. Social isolation associated with age (p = 0.026), being a widow (p = 0.002), living in a nuclear family (p = 0.001), and the presence of chronic diseases (p = 0.014). Whereas gender and education were not significantly associated with social isolation.ConclusionMore than one third of older adults in this representative community met criteria for social isolation despite the family‐based societal norms that are typical of Nepal. Addressing this issue may promote brain health among older adults. Further research is recommended to examine the cognitive health of this isolated population.