OBJECTIVE: To describe the degree of loneliness among the visually impaired elderly and to make a comparison with a matched reference group of the normally sighted elderly. In addition, we examined self-management abilities (SMAs) as determinants of loneliness among the visually impaired elderly. METHOD: In a cross-sectional study, 173 visually impaired elderly persons completed telephone interviews. Loneliness and SMAs were assessed with the Loneliness Scale of De Jong Gierveld and the SMAS-30, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of loneliness among the visually impaired elderly was higher compared with the reference group (50% vs. 29%; p < .001). Multivariate hierarchical regression analysis showed that the SMA self-efficacy, partner status, and self-esteem were determinants of loneliness. Severity and duration of visual impairment had no effect on loneliness. DISCUSSION: The relationship between SMAs (i.e., self-efficacy) and loneliness is promising, as SMAs can be learned through training. Consequently, self-management training may reduce feelings of loneliness.
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机译：目的：描述视障老年人的孤独感程度，并与相匹配的正常视力老年人的参考人群进行比较。此外，我们检查了自我管理能力（SMAs），作为视障老人中孤独感的决定因素。方法：在一项横断面研究中，有173名视力障碍的老年人完成了电话采访。孤独感和SMA分别用De Jong Gierveld的孤独感量表和SMAS-30进行评估。结果：与参考组相比，视障老年人的孤独感患病率更高（50％比29％; p <.001）。多元层次回归分析表明，SMA的自我效能，伴侣状态和自尊是孤独感的决定因素。视觉障碍的严重程度和持续时间对孤独感没有影响。讨论：SMA（即自我效能感）与孤独之间的关系是有希望的，因为可以通过培训来学习SMA。因此，自我管理训练可以减少孤独感。
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