Abstract:

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate loneliness, depression, social support and related factors in individuals between 50 and 65 years in Aydın. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 390 people aged 50- 65 years in nine primary health care center regions in Aydın. A multistage sampling method was used for sample selection. Perceived Social Support from Friends and Family Scales, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were used for data collection. Results: The mean perceived social support from family scale scores was 14.02±0.26; perceived social support from friends scale scores 12.34±0.26; the mean UCLA loneliness scale scores 39.67±0.55 and the mean depression scale scores was 12.85±0.44. Family and friend social support scores were higher in participants who were married, who had children and those who had hobbies; family social support scores were lower in individuals who were dependent in daily activities (p<0.05). Participants with primary or less education, those without a mate or child(ren) those with a physical disability, sleep problems, those who were using a drug regularly, those who were dependent in daily activities and those without a hobby felt themselves more lonely than others. Depressive symptoms were found in 23.8% of the participants. The risk for having depressive symptoms was 2.59(OR)times higher in those who were not married, 2.00(OR)times higher in those without a paid job, 3.23(OR)times higher in those with sleep problems and 2.24(OR)times higher in those who didn't enjoy reading/listening to music. Conclusion: It was concluded that reinforcement of social ties with family and social environment should be considered as an important preventive strategy against depression and loneliness.

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