The impact of social isolation on the health status and health-related quality of life of older people

作者：Hawton Annie^*; Green Colin; Dickens Andy P; Richards Suzanne H; Taylor Rod S; Edwards Rachel; Greaves Colin J; Campbell John L

来源：Quality of Life Research, 2011, 20(1): 57-67.

DOI：10.1007/s11136-010-9717-2

• Aged
• Frail elderly
• Social isolation
• Health status
• Quality of life

To investigate for socially isolated older people, and older people at risk of social isolation: (1) health status and health-related quality of life (HRQL); (2) the relationship between social isolation and health status/HRQL; (3) the relationship between two alternative measures of health status/HRQL.
Older people at risk of social isolation (n = 393) completed the EQ-5D and the SF-12. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between levels of social isolation and health status/HRQL, controlling for demographic/clinical characteristics. The agreement between EQ-5D and SF-6D (SF-12) scores was explored using descriptive psychometric techniques.
Health status and health state values were much lower than UK general population age-matched norms. After controlling for depression, physical co-morbidities, age, gender, living alone status, employment and accommodation, social isolation was significantly associated, to a degree that was clinically relevant, with EQ-5D DSI, SF-6D (SF-12) and SF-12 MCS scores. The potential for ceiling effects on the EQ-5D with this population was identified.
This work highlights the burden that social isolation may have on the health and well-being of older people. The potential HRQL gains from addressing social isolation may be considerable, with those at risk of social isolation also a key target group.

• 出版日期2011-2