Correlation research between family care and alexithymia in community empty-nest elderly

Objective To survey the current status of family care and alexithymia of community empty-nest elderly in Changchun, explore the correlation, and provide reference for improving the level of family care and reducing alexithymia. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 538 empty-nest elderly in Changchun by stratified sampling. The questionnaire includes general demographic data questionnaire, family care scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0, including descriptive analysis, t-test and analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis. Results The family care score of community empty-nest elderly in Changchun was(6.81±2.15), the scores of long empty nest time, no children in the same city, living alone elderly is lower(F=6.280, t=3.884, t=3.012, all P<0.01). The score of alexithymia was(59.05±5.67), 64(11.89%) without alexithymia, 304(56.51%) with possible alexithymia, 170(31.60%) with alexithymia. The scores of the elderly in community with older, childless in the same city, living alone and dissatisfied with community health services were higher(F=44.400, t=11.104, t=8.066, t=3.875, all P<0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between family care and alexithymia in community empty-nest elderly(r=-0.279, P<0.01). Conclusion The level of community empty-nest elderly's family care in Changchun needs to be improved. The level of alexithymia is relatively high, and improving family care could reduce the level of alexithymia.