Loneliness as Experienced by Women Living With Chronic Illness in Rural Areas

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes were to identify loneliness in rural women with chronic conditions and to identify the major themes represented in their descriptions of their feelings of loneliness. Design: This study was a secondary analysis of data collected during a 22-week computer-based support and health online intervention in which rural women participated in virtual forums that allowed them to share life experiences. Method: Quantitative data were gathered from participants’ self-reported loneliness via the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Qualitative data analysis consisted of seeking loneliness themes imbedded in the participants’ online exchanges. Findings: High scores on the loneliness scale indicated a high degree of expressed loneliness, with possible scores of 20 to 80. The range of scores for all participants ( n = 57) was 21 to 68; for those in the upper quartile ( n = 12), the range was 52 to 68. Loneliness themes identified were longing for loved ones, changing relationships, listening in the background, and impact of rural factors. Conclusions: Because loneliness has been described as a painful experience and can have long-reaching effects on an individual’s health, it is a factor to be considered in planning nursing care for individuals who may be at risk because of physical and/or emotional isolation.