Association between caring for grandchildren and feelings of loneliness, social isolation and social network size: a cross-sectional study of community dwelling adults in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association between grandparental care and loneliness, social isolation and/or the size of an individual's social network among community-based adults aged ≥40 years.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were drawn from a population-based sample of individuals aged ≥40 years living in the community in Germany. Loneliness was measured using a short version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Social isolation was measured using a scale developed by Bude and Lantermann. The number of important people with whom respondents have regular contact (ie, social network size) was also used as an outcome variable. All respondents were asked whether they privately provide grandparent care (no/yes).

Results

Linear reg

SUBMITTER: Quirke E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7008440 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature