A Cross-Sectional Study on Social Isolation and Loneliness Related to COVID-19 Among Middle and Late-Stage Elderly in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Precautionary measures implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and stay-at-home orders, have inevitably affected the mental health of older adults. This study aimed to measure loneliness among the elderly living in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2022 in the Jazan area, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 100 elderly participants (≥ 60 years) from various public locations, including malls, social gatherings, parks, and beaches, across different neighborhoods in Jazan. Qualitative survey data was collected by interviewing each participant. Loneliness level was measured using the De Jong Gierveld Scale, complemented by self-made questions addressing sociodemographic information, communication means, frequency of contact with family and friends, and ability to perform daily activities. The chi-square test was utilized to identify factors associated with loneliness.

RESULTS

The De Jong Gierveld scale revealed that most study participants (80%) experienced moderate loneliness despite living arrangements, as 87% were living with their family members. In contrast, only 12% of participants reported severe loneliness. Of all sociodemographic variables, only age and housing companion showed statistically significant relations with loneliness levels (p = 0.005 and < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, loneliness levels were found to be significantly associated with the frequency of communication with family and/or friends (p = 0.002) and knowledge of modern communication means (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a high prevalence of social and emotional loneliness among elderly individuals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It indicates that robust family living arrangements alone did not mitigate loneliness in this population. The findings suggest that limited adoption of digital communication and cultural factors contributed to loneliness. While these insights provide a foundation for understanding elderly loneliness in Saudi Arabia, further research is needed to explore these factors in greater depth and assess the effectiveness of potential interventions like mental health counseling and social support programs.