Influencing factors of happiness for the elderly who lost their only child in a community of Shanghai

ObjectiveTo investigate the general well-being of the elderly who lost their only child in the community and explore its influencing factors in this regard, providing reference for the formulation and implementation of targeted interventions.

MethodsA total of 84 elderly people who lost their only child in Longhua street community were selected by sampling for questionnaire survey with generally well-being schedule (GWB of Chinese version).

ResultsThe total score of GWB of the 84 elderly who lost their only child was 62.82±5.52, satisfaction and interest in life being 3.60±1.17, worries about health 7.96±1.76, energy 13.45±2.09, melancholy or happy mood 13.00±1.5, control of emotion and behavior 9.35±1.59, relaxation and tension 15.46±2.35.Among the factors influencing the overall happiness of the elderly who lost their only child, education level accounted for the proportion (P < 0.01), medical expenses (P < 0.01), age of death of the child (P=0.04), and participation in social activities (P=0.03).

ConclusionThe score of GWB is lower for the elderly who lost their only child, it is imperative to take personalized and comprehensive intervention to help those elderly get out of the psychological shadow and encourage them to face life positively.