Iranian Journal of War and Public Health

eISSN (English): 2980-969X
eISSN (Persian): 2008-2630
pISSN (Persian): 2008-2622
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Volume 17, Issue 4 (2025)                   Iran J War Public Health 2025, 17(4): 1001-1016 | Back to browse issues page

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Menati R, Omidi N, Omidi M R, Mohamadpour S. Investigating the Effect of Communication Skills Training Intervention on Reducing Social Isolation. Iran J War Public Health 2025; 17 (4) :1001-1016
URL: http://ijwph.ir/article-1-1600-en.html
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Abstract   (117 Views)
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a communication skills training intervention in reducing social isolation among ageing individuals in Ilam city. The necessity of the research is justified by the negative consequences of social isolation on the mental and physical health of the ageing and the lack of effective interventions in this area.
Materials and Methods: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and a control group. The study population consisted of 40 ageing individuals (20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group) with a mean age of 68.4±5.2 years, selected through convenience sampling. The intervention included eight 90-minute sessions of communication skills training. Data were collected using the Standard Social Isolation Scale (SLSI) and analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing dependent t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA.
Findings: The mean age of participants was 68.4±5.2 years, and 57.5% were female. Results showed that the total social isolation score in the experimental group decreased from 62.3±7.1 to 43.4±6.2. Significant improvements were observed in the components of emotional isolation (5.4±1.2), interactional isolation (5.5±1.5), structural isolation (3.4±1.8), and perceived isolation (4.6±1.3). The control group showed no significant changes.
Conclusion: The findings indicate the significant effectiveness of communication skills training in reducing social isolation among the ageing. It is recommended that this intervention be implemented as a complementary program in ageing care centers and community health houses. Future studies could examine the long-term sustainability of the intervention's effects
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