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

Hawton, A., Green, C., Dickens, A. P., Richards, S. H., Taylor, R. S. , Edwards, R., Greaves, C. J. and Campbell, J. L. (2011) The impact of social isolation on the health status and health-related quality of life of older people. Quality of Life Research, 20(1), pp. 57-67. (doi: 10.1007/s11136-010-9717-2) (PMID:20658322)

Abstract

Purpose: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Taylor, Professor Rod
• Authors: Hawton, A., Green, C., Dickens, A. P., Richards, S. H., Taylor, R. S., Edwards, R., Greaves, C. J., and Campbell, J. L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Quality of Life Research
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0962-9343
• ISSN (Online): 1573-2649
• Published Online: 25 July 2010