The mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between social networks and self-neglect: A cross-sectional study of older adults living alone in rural China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the interrelationships between social networks, loneliness, and self-neglect, focusing on the mediating role of loneliness.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, involving 582 older adults living alone in rural Southwest China. Participants completed validated scales:the Scale of the Elderly Self-neglect,the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale,the 6-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Mediation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

Social isolation prevalence reached 38.5%, with 90% reporting loneliness. Social networks showed a negative correlation with self-neglect, whereas loneliness demonstrated a positive correlation with it. Loneliness partially mediated the relationship between social network and self-neglect, accounting for 37.22% of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

Impaired social connectivity and heightened loneliness were prevalent among rural older adults living alone, both significantly associated with self-neglect behaviors. Multidimensional community-based psychosocial interventions targeting both social networks enhancement and loneliness reduction are warranted.