6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Research Articles

Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Tabriz, Iran: Tabriz Older People Health Survey (TOPS-2019)

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the sleep quality of aged people in Tabriz and identify its associated factors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital of the East Azerbaijan province in northwest Iran. Participants: A total of 1362 participants were selected from a representative sample of community-dwelling older people aged≥60 years who were living in Tabriz, using the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method. Outcome measures: Blood pressure (BP), sleep quality, depression, anxiety, loneliness, physical activity, daily activities, living independently, and social support were assessed using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), respectively. Results: The mean score of total PSQI was 5.39±2.91. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that being female (Odds ratio [OR]=1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.29 to 2.18), hypertensive (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.52 to 2.95), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR=1.29, 95% CI=0.96 to 1.72), abnormal anxiety level (OR=2.38, 95% CI=1.67 to 3.38), and low PASE score (OR=0.99, 95% CI=0.99 to 1) were significantly associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality. Conclusions: Low physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for low sleep quality in older adults. Hence, the development of physical activity programs can be effective in improving sleep quality. Furthermore, women are the priority in designing interventions.

Beyond Anxiety and Depression: Loneliness and Psychiatric Disorders in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis.

There is a lack of knowledge concerning loneliness and psychiatric disorders other than anxiety and depression in patients with atopic dermatitis. This cross-sectional study was conducted within the Lifelines Cohort Study, in the Netherlands, by sending an atopic dermatitis questionnaire to adult participants (n = 135,950) in 2020. Psychiatric disorders were measured with a self-reported question and validated instrument (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; M.I.N.I.), and loneliness was assessed with the validated 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. In total, 56,896 subjects (mean age 55.8 years, 39.7% males) were included. Atopic dermatitis showed positive associations with self-reported chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout, depression, social phobia, panic disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorder in the participants' lifetimes. Based on the M.I.N.I., atopic dermatitis was positively associated with panic disorder and at least 1 anxiety disorder. In addition, subjects with atopic dermatitis were more likely to experience loneliness compared with those without atopic dermatitis. These associations were observed only in the moderate-to-severe, but not mild, atopic dermatitis group. This study raises awareness that a significant proportion of adults with atopic dermatitis feel lonely and are affected by several psychiatric disorders, especially those severely affected by atopic dermatitis. Further studies are required to evaluate if interdisciplinary care, such as the collaboration between dermatologists and psychiatrists, could optimize medical care for this vulnerable patient group.

Perceived Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness: The Most Vulnerable Population Groups

COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures reasonably limited the social contacts of people in many countries. It is crucial to understand the effect of such policies on people’s social ties and the possible need for evidence-based public policy amendments. Therefore, this study examines 1) the prevalence of loneliness in the population aged 15+ in Lithuania in late 2021 and 2) the self-rated effect of the COVID crisis on loneliness in population groups with different levels of loneliness. It also focuses on the socio-demographic characteristics of these population groups. Data from a representative cross-sectional quantitative survey (N = 1067), carried out in November–December 2021, was used. Based on the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, descriptive statistics analysis revealed the high prevalence (51% of a medium level of loneliness) in the Lithuanian population. One in three people (36%) declared low-level loneliness, and each seventh or eighth (13%) reported high-level loneliness. The feelings of respondents who reported a high level of loneliness were also less stable; they more often stated that their feelings of loneliness increased during the pandemic. These research findings make contributions to studies of loneliness within the context of sudden crises. They emphasise the importance of policymakers focusing on additional measures when preparing for future emergencies and providing special attention to residents who experience the highest levels of loneliness. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SPER-020 Full Text: PDF

Loneliness as a Predictor of Hypertension in Older Adults: The TOPS Study

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between loneliness and hypertension in older people. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital city of the East Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran. Participants: A representative sample of≥60-year-old community dwellers. A total of 1362 participants (768 females and 594 males) were selected using the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method. Outcome Measures: Blood pressure, loneliness, and social support were assessed using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer, the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI), respectively. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 81.0% among older adults (86.8% in women vs. 73.4% in men, P<0.001). In addition, 54% of respondents felt lonely. Loneliness was more prevalent in females than in males (58.7% vs. 47.9%, P<0.001). Hypertension was found to be associated with social loneliness score (OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.32), marital status (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.31 to 0.78), body mass index (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.07 to 1.15), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.03 to 2.31), and sleep quality score (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.06 to 1.19). Conclusions: Social loneliness is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in older people. This highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial factors, especially social loneliness, when managing hypertension in older adults.

The perceived relationship quality with migrant domestic workers is correlated with a lower level of loneliness among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo explore older adults’ perceived relationship quality with migrant domestic workers (MDWs) and examine the correlation between older adult/MDW (O-M) relationship quality and loneliness of community-dwelling older adults. Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, older adults living with MDWs were conveniently recruited from neighbourhood elderly centers in Hong Kong. Loneliness and O-M relationship quality were assessed by the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the mutuality scale, respectively. Older adults’ demographic and functional characteristics, and MDW's nationality, spoken language and years of service in the dyad were also collected. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the contributions of 1) demographic variables and functional status, 2) MDW characteristics, 3) perceived social network and 4) perceived O-M relationship quality on loneliness. ResultsThe 178 participants [mean age 83.44 (SD 7.05 years); 155 (87.1%) women and 23 men (22.9%)] were socially lonely (1.07 ± 1.15) and close to being lonely overall (1.90 ± 1.68), and emotionally (0.84 ± 0.97). The mean O-M relationship quality was poor (1.42 ± 0.79), which was significantly correlated with overall (β= -0.33, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.01, P value = 0.045), and social (β= -0.24, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.01, P value = 0.04) loneliness, but not significantly correlated to emotional loneliness. ConclusionBetter perceived O-M relationship quality is correlated with a lower level of loneliness among older adults. Strategies to improve O-M relationship quality may alleviate loneliness among older adults.

The Role of Loneliness and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in College Students

High prevalence of depressive symptoms was found in college students. Loneliness, as one common problem incollege students, is assumed to have a role in the development of depressive symptoms. Earlier research foundself-compassion to be associated with better mental health. It is necessary to examine how loneliness and self-compassion play a role in the presence of depressive symptoms in college students. A total of 401 college studentsin the Jabodetabek area were involved in this research by completing online measurement instruments consistingof demographic questionnaire, 6-Item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form,and Patient Health Questionnaire - 9. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results showed thatloneliness had a significant role in predicting the increase in depressive symptoms, b = .374; t(392) = 7.68, p <.01, while self-compassion was able to predict the reduction of depressive symptoms in college students, b = -.353; t(392) = -7.15, p < .01. This study illustrates the importance of considering the quality of relationships anddeveloping self-compassion as an effort to reduce depression symptoms in college student

Factors Associated With Fear of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Stigmatization in the Elderly

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the fear of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID- 19) stigmatization in the elderly in Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. Methods: This study used data of a survey on depression, loneliness, social support, and fear of COVID-19 of the elderly in a province of Korea in July to November, 2020. The sample consisted of 1,485 (female 1,117); mean age 78.3 (6.5) years old. We administered Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey and experience about COVID-19 infection or fear of stigmatization. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed for evaluating the association between fear of COVID-19 stigmatization and the factors; gender, education level, living with spouse, socioeconomic status, depression, loneliness, and social support. Results: Socioeconomic status and loneliness are associated with the fear of COVID-19 disease stigmatization, and gender and socioeconomic status are associated with the fear of COVID-19 territorial stigmatization. Conclusion: Gender, socioeconomic status and loneliness are the factors for COVID-19 stigmatization in the elderly in Chungcheongnam- do, Korea.

Co-living with migrant domestic workers is associated with a lower level of loneliness among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study.

Loneliness (inclusive social loneliness and emotional loneliness) of older adults is a prominent public health issue internationally. Factors consistently associated with loneliness are age, gender, education, living arrangements, social network, and functional status. Intergenerational co-living with spouse and adult children is important for the exchange of social, emotional, practical, and financial support provided to older adults. Co-living with migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to care for older adults became an emergent phenomenon internationally, particularly in Asian countries. According to the convoy model of social relations, the effect of co-living with MDWs on older adults' loneliness is unknown. This study examined (1) the prevalence of loneliness among community-dwelling older adults; and (2) the association between co-living with MDWs and older adult loneliness. Using the Chinese version of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale on loneliness, 380 older adults were interviewed at busy points in Hong Kong, including subway stations. 35.3% of older adults experienced moderate-to-severe loneliness. Linear regression was performed to examine the association between co-living with MDWs and loneliness. The results showed that co-living with MDWs was significantly associated with lower levels of overall loneliness (β=-0.636; p=.022) and emotional loneliness (β=-0.298, p=.039), but not for social loneliness (β=-0.337, p=.084). While MDWs could be an attachment figure for older adults, they might not be effective in promoting the social integration of older adults. There is a need to investigate the barriers of social integration faced by older adults co-living with MDWs.

Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults

BackgroundInternational studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness.MethodsData of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD = 5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2 and 26.7% of the participants; 13.6% experienced emotional and social loneliness simultaneously. Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73–2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21–2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31–2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00–1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14–2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35–2.78).ConclusionsSocio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.

Emotional Loneliness Is Associated With a Risk of Dementia in a General Japanese Older Population: The Hisayama Study.

To investigate the association of loneliness and its component subscales with the risk of dementia in a general Japanese older population. A total of 1,141 community-dwelling Japanese residents aged ≥65 years without dementia were prospectively followed up for a median 5.0 years. We evaluated any loneliness and its component subscales-namely, social and emotional loneliness-by using the 6-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of each loneliness type on the risk of dementia controlling for demographic factors, lifestyle factors, physical factors, social isolation factors, and depression. During the follow-up, 114 participants developed dementia. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of dementia was significantly greater in participants with any loneliness and emotional loneliness than those without. The multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% confidence intervals) of participants with any loneliness and emotional loneliness on incident dementia were 1.61 (1.08-2.40) and 1.65 (1.07-2.54), respectively, as compared to those without. However, there was no significant association between social loneliness and dementia risk. In subgroup analyses of social isolation factors, excess risks of dementia associated with emotional loneliness were observed in participants who had a partner, lived with someone, or rarely communicated with relatives or friends, but such association was not significant in participants who had no partner, lived alone, or frequently communicated with friends or relatives. The present study suggested that loneliness, especially emotional loneliness, was a significant risk factor for the development of dementia in the general older population in Japan.

Neighborhood Social Cohesion Associates with Loneliness Differently among Older People According to Subjective Social Status.

To examine whether neighborhood social cohesion can alleviate the negative impact of low subjective social status on feelings of loneliness. Cross-sectional study. Community, Hong Kong. Older people who participated in a cohort study on osteoporosis and general health in Hong Kong (MrOs study). Data were sourced from the 14-year follow-up data of the MrOs study. Loneliness was measured using the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Neighborhood social cohesion was measured by the Hong Kong version of Neighborhood Cohesion Instrument. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between neighborhood social cohesion and loneliness, controlled for age, sex, marital status, educational level, lifestyle, number of diseases, and maximum lifetime income. The analyses were stratified by subjective social status as measured by a 10-rung self-anchoring scale. 1,037 participants with a mean age of 83 years were included in the study, of whom 72%, 83%, and 64% were classified as at risk of overall loneliness, emotional loneliness, and social loneliness, respectively. Those who were classified as at risk of overall loneliness reported lower subjective social status and had lower levels of neighborhood social cohesion. Linear regression models showed that higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion were associated with lower levels of overall and social loneliness. Stratified analyses showed that the associations between neighborhood social cohesion and loneliness vary across subjective social status groups. Among those with low/middle social status ranking, higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion were associated with lower overall (low-ranking B=-0.111, p=0.001; middle-ranking B=-0.057, p=0.026) and social (low-ranking B=-0.093, p<0.001; middle-ranking B=-0.073, p<0.001) loneliness scores. Among those with high ranking, higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion were associated with lower overall (B=-0.099, p=0.041) and emotional (B=-0.056, p=0.017) loneliness scores, but the associations became insignificant when controlling for maximum lifetime income. Neighborhood social cohesion may operate differently in different social ranking groups. Interventions to alleviate feelings of loneliness should be subjective social status specific.

Cross-Cultural Equivalence of De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale Among Older Native and Diasporic Chinese Adults.

Background and ObjectivesLoneliness is prevalent among older adults and known to be detrimental to mental health. The objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Chinese 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) in the older native and diasporic Chinese community.Research Design and MethodsParticipants were recruited from a local community in urban Tianjin, China and urban Chinese communities of older adults in the Netherlands. Scale properties, including reliability, were calculated with Cronbach’s alpha and multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis to examine the 2-dimensional structure of the scale and the cross-cultural equivalence between both countries. Item response analysis was employed to plot the relationships between the item response and expected total scale score.ResultsA total of 193 older adults from China and 135 older adults from the Netherlands were included. The Cronbach’s alphas were 0.68 (China) and 0.71 (the Netherlands). The DJGLS’s 2-dimensional structure was validated by the goodness of fit and the factor loadings. Cross-cultural equivalence was demonstrated with the multiple-group confirmatory analysis. In addition, sufficient discriminative power of the individual items was demonstrated by item response analysis in both countries.Discussion and ImplicationsThis study is the first to provide a detailed item behavior analysis with an item response analysis of the DJGLS. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the DJGLS has an adequate and similar item and scalar equivalence for use in Chinese populations.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale in Iranian Community-dwelling Older Persons

Objectives: Loneliness is a significant concern among the elderly and requires measurement and intervention. This study was conducted to translate and make a psychometric evaluation of the 6-item de Jong Gierveld loneliness scale in Iranian older people. Methods &amp; Materials: This is a descriptive study carried out in 2018. After receiving permission from the tool designer, the original version of the 6-item de Jong Gierveld loneliness scale was translated into Persian by the translation and translation-back method. Then its face and content validities were determined. The final Persian version was completed by 224 eligible elderly residents in Khorramabad City, Iran. The data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the Pearson correlation coefficient, the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and the Cronbach alpha. The SPSS and AMOS were used, and the significance was determined at the level of P≤ 0.05. Results: The Persian version of the 6-item de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale had an acceptable content validity (CVI=0.874). Confirmative factor analysis indicated the extraction of two factors: emotional loneliness and social loneliness (CMIN/DF=1.48, GFI=0.983, IFI=0.983, RMSEA=0.004). The overall loneliness score showed a significant correlation with the hospital anxiety and depression scale. The reliability of the scale was accepted by the intra-class correlation coefficient and the Cronbach alpha coefficient. Conclusion: The Persian version of the 6-item de Jong Gierveld loneliness scale is a reliable and valid measure of loneliness in Iranian elders.

The Association between Loneliness and Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) among Community-Dwelling Older Citizens

Background: This study aimed to assess the association between loneliness and Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) among community-dwelling older citizens in five European countries. We characterize loneliness broadly from an emotional and social perspective. Methods: This cross-sectional study measured loneliness with the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and HR-QoL with the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. The association between loneliness and HR-QoL was examined using multivariable linear regression models. Results: Data of 2169 citizens of at least 70 years of age and living independently (mean age = 79.6 ± 5.6; 61% females) were analyzed. Among the participants, 1007 (46%) were lonely; 627 (29%) were emotionally and 575 (27%) socially lonely. Participants who were lonely experienced a lower HR-QoL than participants who were not lonely (p ≤ 0.001). Emotional loneliness [std-β: −1.39; 95%-CI: −1.88 to −0.91] and social loneliness [−0.95; −1.44 to −0.45] were both associated with a lower physical HR-QoL. Emotional loneliness [−3.73; −4.16 to −3.31] and social loneliness [−1.84; −2.27 to −1.41] were also both associated with a lower mental HR-QoL. Conclusions: We found a negative association between loneliness and HR-QoL, especially between emotional loneliness and mental HR-QoL. This finding indicates that older citizens who miss an intimate or intense emotional relationship and interventions targeting mental HR-QoL deserve more attention in policy and practice than in the past.

Validation of the Malay Version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale.

This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) among older adults in Malaysia. A total of 200 participants aged 50years and older completed the questionnaire in which 81 participants completed in BM. A subsample of 30 participants was retested after a period of 2weeks. The DJGLS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.71) and high test-retest reliability (r=0.93). Convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate positive correlation between total DJGLS loneliness score and UCLA loneliness scale (ULS-8) (r=0.56, n=81, P<0.001). Significant associations were found between loneliness and sex, ethnicity, geographic area and marital status. The BM version of the 6-item DJGLS is a reliable and valid loneliness measure for use among older adults in Malaysia.

Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Left-Behind Children in Indonesia.

Background:The number of migrant workers in Indonesia has been increasing over the years. Most of the migrant workers are females with children, creating a huge number of left-behind children (LBC). The issue of LBC has become important to discuss because LBC tends to experience more emotional and behavioral problems than non-LBC. The aim of this study was to assess and compare emotional and behavioral problems between LBC and non-LBC in Indonesia. This paper analyzes data from a project by the Community Mental Health Research Group from the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, held in 2015 − 2016.Materials and MethodsParticipants were 629 adolescents: 359 LBC and 270 non-LBC. The data were acquired in a cross-sectional study conducted in rural Indonesia. Data on emotional and behavioral problems were assessed with Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, while data related to risk factor variables were collected using multidimensional scale of perceived social support, the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.Results:The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in LBC was 28.4% compared to 21% among non-LBC. Peer attachment, communication, social support, and loneliness were identified as factors that impact the emotional and behavioral problems among LBC.Conclusions:LBC has more emotional and behavioral problems than non-LBC. Comprehensive understanding of various protective and risk factors is needed to provide impactful interventions for LBC.

Older people going online: its value and before-after evaluation of volunteer support.

BackgroundAlthough Internet usage can benefit older people by reducing social isolation, increasing access to services, and improving health and well-being, only a minority are online. Barriers to Internet uptake include attitude and a lack of knowledge and help. We have evaluated volunteer support in helping older people go online. Knowing what value the Internet has been to older people who have just gone online should guide how it is “sold” to those remaining offline.ObjectiveObjectives of this study are (1) to assess the feasibility of recruiting volunteers aged 50 years and older and supporting them in helping people (ie, beneficiaries) aged 65 years and older go online, (2) to assess the impact of beneficiaries using the Internet on contacts with others, loneliness, and mental health, and (3) to assess the perceived value to beneficiaries of going online.MethodsBeneficiaries received help in using the Internet from 32 volunteers in one of two ways: (1) one-on-one in their own homes, receiving an average of 12 hours of help over eight visits, or (2) in small group sessions, receiving 12 hours of help over six visits. We assessed, at registration and follow-up, the number of contacts with others, using Lubben’s 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale (LBNS-6), loneliness, using De Jong Gierveld’s 6-item De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale (DJG-6), and mental well-being, using Tennant’s Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS). We also assessed how beneficiaries valued going online using a Social Return on Investment (SROI) approach by postal survey.ResultsA total of 144 beneficiaries were recruited with the aim of helping them go online via one-on-one (n=58) or small group (n=86) sessions. Data through to follow-up were available on 76.4% (110/144) of participants. From baseline to follow-up, the number of contacts with others was significantly increased—LBNS-6, mean 13.7 to mean 17.6—loneliness scores were reduced—DJG-6, mean 2.38 to mean 1.80—and mental well-being improved—SWEMWBS, mean 24.06 to mean 24.96. Out of six options, beneficiaries valued better communication with family and friends most and better health care least as a benefit of using the Internet. Out of nine options, having the Internet was valued less than having TV, but more than, for example, having a weekly visit from a cleaner. There were no associations between values placed on Internet use or volunteer help and psychological improvements.ConclusionsVolunteer help to go online seemed to result in increased social contacts, reduced loneliness, and improved mental well-being and was valued quite highly by beneficiaries. Although the use of the Internet for health care was the least valued, improved social contact can improve health. Contacting family is likely to be the best “selling point” of the Internet for older people.

Validation of the Chinese translation of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale in elderly Chinese

This study aims to develop and validate a Chinese translation of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale - a widely used instrument to measure loneliness - specifically determining its psychometric properties in community-dwelling Chinese elders in Hong Kong. The relationships between loneliness and several clinical variables are also assessed. The English version was translated into Chinese. Content validity was established by group discussion and Delphi panel. The questionnaire was administered to 103 Hong Kong Chinese community-dwelling elders. Statistical analysis was performed to test the reliability and validity of the scale. The content validity was high as shown by the results of the Delphi panel. Cronbach's alpha of the 6-item scale was 0.76. For the inter-rater reliability of the six items, the intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.98 to 1.00. The emotional loneliness subscale significantly correlated with the social loneliness subscale (rho = 0.37; p < 0.001). In using a direct question to measure loneliness, 21 participants (20%) reported that they were lonely. The overall loneliness scale score significantly correlated with the answers on the direct question of loneliness (rpb = 0.71; p < 0.001). The overall loneliness score showed significant correlation with Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (rho = 0.29; p = 0.003), current smoking status (rpb = 0.24; p = 0.014), and some objective social characteristics. The Chinese version of the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale is a reliable and valid measure of loneliness in Chinese elders.

A 6-Item Scale for Overall, Emotional, and Social Loneliness

Loneliness is an indicator of social well-being and pertains to the feeling of missing an intimate relationship (emotional loneliness) or missing a wider social network (social loneliness). The 11-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale has proved to be a valid and reliable measurement instrument for overall, emotional, and social loneliness, although its length has sometimes rendered it difficult to use in large surveys. In this study, the authors empirically tested a shortened version of the scale on data from two surveys ( N = 9,448). Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the specification of two latent factors. Congruent validity and the relationship with determinants (partner status, health) proved to be optimal. The 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale is a reliable and valid measurement instrument for overall, emotional, and social loneliness that is suitable for large surveys.