Loneliness, social isolation, and social support in older adults with cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in western Iran

BACKGROUND: Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as public health concerns, particularly among older adults, where they are associated with heightened risks of CVD. This study investigates the perceived loneliness, social isolation, and social support among older adults with cardiovascular diseases: METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Western Iran in 2023. A descriptive-correlational design was employed. The study population consisted of older adults patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease who visited Imam Ali (AS) Hospital in 2023. A total of 432 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Adult Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Statistical analyses were conducted using R software, including Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multivariate MANOVA analysis at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The mean scores for loneliness, social isolation, and perceived social support in patients with heart failure were 31.74 ± 7.62, 16.11 ± 4.75, and 24.39 ± 6.68, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong and significant relationship among loneliness, social isolation, and social support across all categories of heart failure. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that variables such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, marital status, and sleep duration significantly influenced these outcomes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that Older adults with cardiovascular disease face an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation, often accompanied by insufficient levels of social support. Enhancing social support may alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation within this demographic. It is imperative that mental health professionals, sociologists, and healthcare providers prioritize interventions designed to improve psychological adaptation, promote social interactions, and enhance the overall quality of life for older adults living with cardiovascular conditions.