Abstract
Background
Loneliness is a prevalent and urgent public health issue. An extensive body on research has recently demonstrated a strong association between loneliness and decreased mental and physical health. Nevertheless, the health-related risks of loneliness are still unrecognized by many institutions and organizations.
The predominant focus of attention in population-based loneliness research has been upon specific groups, especially the elderly. Much less attention has been given to loneliness across various age groups in representative samples. In the present study, we explored the relationship between sociodemographic factors and loneliness across five different age groups in a large representative sample.
Methods
The study is based on a public health survey from 2013 (n = 33.285) called “How are you?”. The total response rate was 61%. Regression models were used to predict loneliness.
Results
Preliminary results suggest that the prevalence of loneliness is highest among adolescents/young adults and the very old. Moreover, being single/divorced and unemployed predicted loneliness.
Conclusions
The study aims to identify high risk groups across the life course and thereby help analysts, program developers, and policy planners aiming to prevent and reduce loneliness.
Loneliness is a prevalent and urgent public health issue. An extensive body on research has recently demonstrated a strong association between loneliness and decreased mental and physical health. Nevertheless, the health-related risks of loneliness are still unrecognized by many institutions and organizations.
The predominant focus of attention in population-based loneliness research has been upon specific groups, especially the elderly. Much less attention has been given to loneliness across various age groups in representative samples. In the present study, we explored the relationship between sociodemographic factors and loneliness across five different age groups in a large representative sample.
Methods
The study is based on a public health survey from 2013 (n = 33.285) called “How are you?”. The total response rate was 61%. Regression models were used to predict loneliness.
Results
Preliminary results suggest that the prevalence of loneliness is highest among adolescents/young adults and the very old. Moreover, being single/divorced and unemployed predicted loneliness.
Conclusions
The study aims to identify high risk groups across the life course and thereby help analysts, program developers, and policy planners aiming to prevent and reduce loneliness.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Tidsskrift | European Journal of Public Health |
| Vol/bind | 25 |
| Nummer | Supp 3 |
| Sider (fra-til) | 450 |
| Antal sider | 1 |
| ISSN | 1101-1262 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - 1 okt. 2015 |
| Udgivet eksternt | Ja |