Objectives: Quality of life is a most crucial concept in the life of every individual. A quality life leads to a longer life span and the prevention of diseases and disabilities in old age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between quality of life, loneliness, and perceived social support in older adults with immigrant children.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 200 participants above 60 years with immigrant children referred to the vaccination department of the Pasteur Institute of Iran. Data were collected using the Loneliness Questionnaire (UCLA), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire, and the SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data was analyzed with SPSS v.24 through Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 66.84 ± 5.27 years, of which 56.5% were women. Multiple regression analysis showed that loneliness was able to explain changes in overall perception of health (β=-0.02, P<0.001), physical function (β=-0.03, P<0.001), emotional problems (β=-0.03, P<0.001), physical pain (β=-0.04, P<0.001), social function (β=-0.05, P<0.001), vitality and vital energy (β=-0.06, P<0.001), and mental health (β=-0.11, P<0.001) of quality of life. However, perceived social support was not able to explain changes in quality of life dimensions (P = non-significant).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that loneliness can lead to a decline in quality of life. Therefore, programs aimed at preventing loneliness should be implemented for the elderly who have immigrant children.