Self-neglect and self-esteem among older adults receiving home care: a cross-sectional study
BMC Geriatrics, cilt.26, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 26 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12877-026-07283-3
- Dergi Adı: BMC Geriatrics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Home care, Older adult, Self-esteem, Self-neglect
- Maltepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: The aging adult population faces increasing challenges, including self-neglect and declining self-esteem, that significantly affect quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Addressing these issues has become a public health priority. Despite the topic’s importance, limited research has examined the relationship between self-neglect and self-esteem in the context of home care services. This study aimed to determine the relationship between self-neglect and self-esteem among older adults receiving home care services in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January to April 2024 among 148 older adults (≥ 65 years) enrolled in the Beşiktaş Municipality home-care program. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face home visits by trained researchers, using the Personal Information Form, the Elderly Self-Neglect Scale (ESNS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis H, and Spearman’s rank correlation (rho) tests, performed in SPSS version 26 at a significance level of p <.05. Results: A low but statistically significant association was observed between higher self-neglect scores and lower self-esteem (Spearman’s rho = 0.257, p <.05). Men, individuals living alone, and those reporting social support had significantly higher self-neglect scores. Self-esteem was significantly associated with marital status, education level, and social activity, but not with gender or chronic illness. Conclusions: The study indicates that lower self-esteem is linked to higher levels of self-neglect among older adults receiving home care. Interventions to enhance self-esteem and reduce self-neglect should focus on educational programs, psychological support, and increased social participation. Further studies with diverse populations are recommended.