EFFECTS OF LONELINESS ON HEALTH MAINTENANCE BEHAVIOR OF GERIATRIC RESIDENTS

ABSTRACT: This study explored and described factors involved in the effects of loneliness on health maintenance behavior of geriatric residents in a nursing home. The study aims to: 1) Identity the prevalence of Loneliness in the geriatric facility 2) Determine the effects of loneliness on health maintenance of those lonely compared to those who are not lonely in terms of hygiene, diet, medicine intake, social interactions, and theraphy cooperation. The importance of this study will give benefit families especially the geriatric member of the family, geriatric nurses, caregivers, and future nurses for this will raise awareness on the effects of loneliness and give an overall therapeutic approach and that will prevent and overcome loneliness that will hinder health maintenance behavior of the individual. The researchers used a prevalence study that aims to provide data on the entire population, which in this case will show the prevalence of loneliness. An exploratory approach will also be used in collecting and analyzing data regarding the possible effects of loneliness through the use of a 2 survey questionnaires. The first questionnaire will come in two parts questioning the residents demographic profile and UCLA Loneliness Scale, which is a standardized questionnaire formulated in University of California Los Angeles, that will determine who among the residents are lonely. The second survey will question the health maintenance behavior of the residents.

School of Nursing