[Factors associated with the perception of loneliness among older people living in the community].

BACKGROUND

Chilean community-dwelling older people are a vulnerable population with a high risk of being self-perceived as lonely.

AIM

To examine the factors associated with the self-perception of loneliness in a group of Chilean community-dwelling older people.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study design with 540 participants aged 65 years and above (72.20 ± 6.22). Measures for sociodemographic, health status, and integral geriatric assessment were assessed. Correlations and multiple linear regression models were conducted.

RESULTS

Factors such as low perception of social support in everyday situations or cases of emergency, experiencing high depressive symptoms, and perceiving a poor quality of life were significantly associated with a higher self-perception of loneliness.

DISCUSSION

Preventive strategies and age-appropriate psychosocial interventions to mitigate or reverse the impact of these factors may be essential to reduce the self-perception of loneliness and consequently improve older people's well-being.