Table 3 Self-confidence to live alone by the characteristics of participants (N = 936)

 Age (years)

65–74

6.78 ± 2.92

1.363 (.173)

≥ 75

6.49 ± 3.05

 Sex

Male

6.40 ± 2.91

1.098 (.272)

Female

6.65 ± 3.04

 Educational level

< Middle school

6.44 ± 3.14

2.360 (.019)

≥ Middle school

6.91 ± 2.69

 Religion

Yes

6.61 ± 2.95

0.271 (.787)

No

6.55 ± 3.13

 Participation in economic activity

<  3–4 times/week

6.40 ± 3.04

3.346 (.001)

≥ 3–4 times/week

7.15 ± 2.85

 Wall cracks at home

Yes

6.13 ± 3.14

2.370 (.018)

No

6.71 ± 2.96

 Mould exposure at home

Yes

5.81 ± 3.12

5.242 (< .001)

No

6.92 ± 2.90

 Disability

Yes

6.38 ± 3.13

1.068 (.286)

No

6.64 ± 2.98

 IADL

Independent

6.89 ± 2.87

6.618 (< .001)

Partially or totally dependent

5.26 ± 3.23

 Depression

No

7.96 ± 2.32

14.051 (< .001)

Yes

5.50 ± 3.05

 Participation in social activity

<  3–4 times/week

6.30 ± 3.03

3.256 (.001)

≥ 3–4 times/week

6.94 ± 2.94

 Interactions with family members

<  1–2 times/month

5.78 ± 3.14

5.168 (< .001)

≥ 1–2 times/month

6.92 ± 2.89

 Interactions with neighbours

<  1–2 times/month

5.71 ± 3.49

3.333 (.001)

≥ 1–2 times/month

6.75 ± 2.89

 Public service utilisation

None

6.95 ± 2.82

4.062 (< .001)

≥ 1

6.15 ± 3.17

 Social support

Good or Fair

7.31 ± 2.58

8.760 (< .001)

Poor

5.56 ± 3.27

 Loneliness

≤ Moderate

7.14 ± 2.69

8.599 (< .001)

≥ Moderately high

5.16 ± 3.31