Testing the Reliability and Validity of the Social Isolation Visual Analogue Scale Among Older Adults

Abstract Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Social Isolation Visual Analogue Scale. Methods This was a descriptive study. Forty residents from four senior housing communities were interviewed related to social isolation, depression, and social networks at baseline and two weeks later. Results The mean age of the participants was 78.8 (SD = 8.1), the majority were female (86%) and Black (60%). There was evidence of test-retest reliability with a significant correlation between baseline and two-week follow-up of the Social Isolation Visual Analogue Scale (r=.74, p<.05). There was a significant relationship between the Social Isolation Visual Analogue Scale and depression and social networks. Conclusions The findings from this study provided some preliminary evidence of the reliability and validity of the Social Isolation Visual Analogue Scale in low-income senior housing residents. Keywords; Social isolation, older adults, senior housing, social networks