Loneliness and Frailty Among Older Adults Receiving Home Healthcare: A Cross-Sectional Study

Özge Tuncer,1 Ayça Asma Sakallı2 1Department of Family Medicine, HSU Izmir Medical Faculty Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey; 2Department of Family Medicine, HSU Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital, Balıkesir, TurkeyCorrespondence: Özge Tuncer, Department of Family Medicine, HSU Izmir Medical Faculty Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, Bahar Mah., Saim Çıkrıkçı Cd. No: 59, Karabağlar/İzmir, 35170, Turkey, Email [email protected]: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between loneliness and frailty in older people and to provide a scientific basis for improving the quality of healthcare and social services offered to older people.Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included individuals aged 65 years and over who were receiving home healthcare services in two cities in western Turkey. Convenience sampling was used. Eligibility criteria were age ≥ 65 years, receiving home healthcare services, adequate cognitive function, and voluntary participation. The Loneliness Scale for the Elderly (LSE) and the Clinical Frailty Scale were administered. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Spearman correlation analysis.Results: A total of 533 participants were included, with 288 from Center 1 and 245 from Center 2. Overall, 62.7% of participants reported experiencing loneliness. Participants in Center 2 had significantly higher loneliness scores compared to Center 1. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between frailty and loneliness scores (Spearman’s rho = 0.175, p< 0.001).Conclusion: This study demonstrated a weak but significant association between loneliness and frailty among older adults receiving home healthcare. Loneliness was influenced by marital status, polypharmacy, and physical independence, which also contributed to frailty.Keywords: aging, frail older adults, home health care, loneliness, physical frailty