Scholarlink

Background <p>Rapid population aging and changing family structures have led to an increasing number of older adults living alone, placing them at elevated risk for mental health problems and social isolation. Evidence from semi-urban Thai contexts remains limited. This study examined physical and mental health status, perceived social support, and health needs among community-dwelling older adults living alone in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, and identified predictors of depression and social support.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 adults aged ≥ 60 years using multi-stage random sampling. Standardized instruments included the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-15), Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (RULS-6), ADL, IADL, and a multidimensional Social Support Scale.</p> Results <p>Multiple linear regression was performed. Over half (54.2%) experienced mild to moderate depressive symptoms, and 98.0% reported moderate to high loneliness. Social support was predominantly moderate (66.8%). Longer duration of living alone (β = 0.419, <i>p</i> &lt; .001) and lower contact frequency (β = −0.127, <i>p</i> = .023) were associated with higher depression scores (Adjusted R² = 0.257). Having children (β = 0.326, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), frequent contact (β = 0.541, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), and caregiver availability (β = 0.158, <i>p</i> &lt; .001) were associated with higher perceived social support (Adjusted R² = 0.478).</p> Conclusion <p>Older adults living alone in semi-urban Thailand face substantial psychosocial vulnerability. Strengthening family engagement and structured community support systems may reduce depression and enhance perceived support.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Predictors of depression and social support among community-dwelling older adults living alone in Thailand

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月23日

查看全文
  • Surasak Mulsrisuk,
  • Pisan Pachachoo,
  • Wanich Suksatan,
  • Piyanan Suwan,
  • Pongkwan Posri

摘要

Background

Rapid population aging and changing family structures have led to an increasing number of older adults living alone, placing them at elevated risk for mental health problems and social isolation. Evidence from semi-urban Thai contexts remains limited. This study examined physical and mental health status, perceived social support, and health needs among community-dwelling older adults living alone in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, and identified predictors of depression and social support.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 adults aged ≥ 60 years using multi-stage random sampling. Standardized instruments included the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-15), Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (RULS-6), ADL, IADL, and a multidimensional Social Support Scale.

Results

Multiple linear regression was performed. Over half (54.2%) experienced mild to moderate depressive symptoms, and 98.0% reported moderate to high loneliness. Social support was predominantly moderate (66.8%). Longer duration of living alone (β = 0.419, p < .001) and lower contact frequency (β = −0.127, p = .023) were associated with higher depression scores (Adjusted R² = 0.257). Having children (β = 0.326, p < .001), frequent contact (β = 0.541, p < .001), and caregiver availability (β = 0.158, p < .001) were associated with higher perceived social support (Adjusted R² = 0.478).

Conclusion

Older adults living alone in semi-urban Thailand face substantial psychosocial vulnerability. Strengthening family engagement and structured community support systems may reduce depression and enhance perceived support.