Mental health status and factors related on mental health status of the older adults living alone
ISSN: 1366-3666
Article publication date: 25 April 2022
Issue publication date: 28 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to describe the mental health status and factors related to the mental health status of older adults living alone.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a descriptive correlational study. Older adults living alone from the urban area of the Northeast of Thailand were recruited randomly from within a stratified sampling frame and received a questionnaire. Data were collected using a demographic form, way of coping, social support, family relationship, and Thai Mental Health Indicator-15 (TMHI-15). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and Chi-square test.
Findings
The mental health status related to personal factors at p < 0.05 including gender, education level, income, health status, coping strategies, social support and family relationship are related to mental health status.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides further empirical support for older adults who are living alone, especially females who have low income and have a disease. Consequently, policy on social support in older adults should be directed to developing a range of divergent intervention strategies.
Practical implications
This study requires some form of long-term care as well as utilization of treatment and support services, enhanced quality of life for older adults living alone.
Social implications
This study requires some form of long-term care as well as utilization of treatment and support services, enhanced quality of life for older adults living alone.
Originality/value
This study provides further empirical support for older adults who are living alone.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the participants of the study for their time and staff research assistants in data collection.
Funding: This research was supported by the Young Researcher Development Project of Khon Kaen University.
Citation
Juntapim, S. and Theranut, A. (2022), "Mental health status and factors related on mental health status of the older adults living alone", Working with Older People, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 387-396. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-08-2021-0045
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited