Relationship between health status and loneliness among Kazak older adults in Iran: A cross-sectional study on their sense of loneliness

Loneliness of the older adults is defined as their inability to establish, and maintain satisfying relationships with others and is a widespread phenomenon, and associated with poor health status. The study aimed to investigate loneliness in Iranian older Kazaks, and its relationship with their health status. This is a descriptive-analytical investigation conducted among 234 Iranian older Kazaks selected through convenience sampling in 2020. Data collection tools included demographic, and health information questionnaires, and 21-items Loneliness Scale. The mean score of loneliness was 51.77 (SD = 6.113), and its cut-off point was 44.5. Health index had a significant and inverse relationship with loneliness (OR = 2.347, P = 0.001). Living alone, hypertension, and gender (OR = 5.034, 4.107, and 4.099, respectively) were the predictors of loneliness. In addition, general health and living alone showed significant relationship with loneliness. Providing conditions to Kazaks ethnic minority was suggested to keep them active in the community.