Methods: This study was conducted in 2022 on 150 elderly individuals aged 60 years and older who were referred to three clinics of the Social Security Hospital in Qazvin. Sampling was done through convenience and continuous referral, and data were collected through direct interviews. The Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) was administered first, followed by questionnaires on demographics, the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell), Queendom's Interpersonal Communication Skills Test (CSTR), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (Sherer). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings: The findings of this study indicate a significant negative relationship between communication skills and loneliness in the elderly. The subscales of communication skill (P = 0.007), emotional control (P = 0.018), listening skill (P = 0.001), and insight into the communication process (P = 0.041) all showed a significant negative relationship with loneliness. However, the ability to receive and send messages (P = 0.293) and assertiveness in communication (P = 0.293) did not show a significant relationship with loneliness. Furthermore, there was a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and loneliness (P = 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that the variables of communication skills and self-efficacy together explained 22% of the variance in loneliness. However, self-efficacy (β = -0.448) was a stronger predictor of reduced loneliness compared to communication skills (β = -0.162).

Conclusion: The research findings demonstrate the direct impact of communication skills and self-efficacy on reducing loneliness in the elderly. These results can be utilized in provincial and national policies to improve the mental health and quality of life of this population group.