Social Isolation and Depression among Elderly at Abu Hammad Cilty

Abstract

Background: Social isolation and depression in older adults are major public health problems and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Aim of the study: Was to assess social isolation and depression among elderly at Abu Hammad Cilty. Subjects and Methods; Design: A descriptive design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at a village called "Bahtet" at Abu Hammad City, Sharkia Governorate. Subjects: A purposive sample consisted of 125 elderly. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used for data collection; Tool I: A structured interview questionnaire composed of two parts; demographic characteristics, and medical history of the studied sample, Tool II: Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised and Tool III: The Geriatric Depression Scale: short form. Results: 53.6% of the elderly had moderate level of social network, and 17.6% had high level. Moreover, 28.8% of them had low level. 48% of the elderly had mild depression; additionally 4.4% and 5.6% of them had moderate and severe depression respectively. Conclusion: more than half of the elderly had moderate level of social network. Moreover, slightly less than half of the elderly had mild depression. Recommendation: Replicate the study on a larger group; selected from different geographical areas in Egypt to obtain more generalized findings in relation to current study.