Perceptions of Loneliness and Social Isolation Prior and Post Periods of Disasters Among Adults 65 Years of Age and Older Living in Rural Puerto Rico: A Scoping Review
Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation are public health challenges associated with adverse health outcomes and increased mortality. Living in rural areas, and experiencing deprivations derived from social and economic circumstances at the community or country level have also been identified as substantial risk factors for loneliness and social isolation. Older adults living in rural environments appear to be more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. When already vulnerable populations experience natural disasters, isolation can aggravate the risks of the event. Addressing the challenges presented by disasters requires cultural sensitivity. Since 2017, the older adult population of Puerto Rico has been experiencing multiple unprecedented disasters. The purpose of this study was to analyze if the perceptions of loneliness and social isolation prior and post periods of disasters among adults 65 years of age and older living in rural Puerto Rico have been comprehensively reviewed and find out if there are gaps in previous related studies. To this aim, a scoping review was conducted. From the 22 articles assessed in full, no study was found that met all the criteria for inclusion, and only one study was included in the review after making an exception. This scoping review demonstrates that the perceptions of loneliness and social isolation prior and post periods of disasters among adults 65 years of age and older living in rural Puerto Rico have not been comprehensively examined and highlights the gap of exploring the topics of loneliness and social isolation from the perspective of the populations’ perceptions, not only from the perspective of those serving them. This study is relevant for showing the need and potential for research aimed at capturing the perceptions of loneliness and social isolation among Puerto Rican older adults in rural areas facing disasters.
Subject Area
Public health|Aging|Gerontology
Recommended Citation
Rodriguez Cestero, Amparo, "Perceptions of Loneliness and Social Isolation Prior and Post Periods of Disasters Among Adults 65 Years of Age and Older Living in Rural Puerto Rico: A Scoping Review" (2022). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI30313382.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI30313382