Loneliness status and related factors of the Zhuang empty nester in rural area

Abstract

Objective To investigate the psychological loneliness status of the Zhuang empty nester in rural area, and analyze the influencing factors. Methods 320 cases were randomly extracted in certain groups in xiangxian town, Shanglin County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, including 160 empty nester(Group A) , 80 living with families elderly people(Group B), 80 state-fending elderly people(Group C). The questionnaire and University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale(UCLA) were applied for this investigation. Results The top three single-positive rates of the UCLA of the Group A was their hobby different from others(69.54%), lack of sense of intimacy(65.56%) and lack of trust(61.59%). The UCLA score was significantly different in the Group A(52.44±7.29), the Group B(32.16±9.01), the Group C(39.65±8.11)(F=178.97, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed a negative correlation between the UCLA score and the number of great-grandson living with the elderly, a positive correlation between the UCLA score and the interval of the children to visit the elderly. Conclusion The Zhuang empty nester in rural area was very lonely. It is helpful to alleviate the loneliness of the Zhuang empty nester in rural area through establishing a comprehensive pension system, the duties of children to their parents and the family harmony. Key words: Rural area; Zhuang; Empty nester; Lonelines