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Botha F, Bower M. Predictors of male loneliness across life stages: an Australian study of longitudinal data. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1285. [PMID: 38730388 PMCID: PMC11088127 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18770-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing recognition of loneliness as a global public health concern, research on its occurrence and precipitants among men across different life stages remains limited and inconclusive. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the prevalence and predictors of loneliness among a large, representative data set of Australian adult men. METHODS The study used longitudinal data from waves 2-21 of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, including men aged 15-98. Estimating linear fixed effects regressions that account for unobserved time-invariant individual heterogeneity, a single-item measure of loneliness was regressed on a set of selected explanatory variables over different parts of the life course. RESULTS Increased social isolation, romantic partnership dissolution, having a long-term disability, and stronger beliefs that the man, rather than the woman, should be the breadwinner of the household, are associated with greater loneliness. Frequent social connection, having a romantic partner, and high neighbourhood satisfaction are protective against loneliness. The findings also reveal several differences in the predictors of loneliness over the life course. Job security is especially important for younger men, whereas for older men volunteering and less conservative gender role attitudes are important factors that can decrease loneliness. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasise the need to consider age-specific factors and societal expectations in understanding and addressing loneliness amongst men. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the impact of societal norms and expectations on men's mental health. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers to develop effective strategies and support systems to combat loneliness and promote well-being among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdi Botha
- Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marlee Bower
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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Hajek A, Posi G, König HH. Chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation among older adults: a study protocol for a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080399. [PMID: 38580366 PMCID: PMC11002424 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are around 20 studies identifying the prevalence of chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation in older adults. However, there is an absence of a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression that consolidates the available observational studies. Therefore, our objective was to address this knowledge gap. Here, we present the study protocol for this upcoming work. Such knowledge can help in addressing older individuals at risk for chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Established electronic databases will be searched. Observational studies reporting the prevalence of chronic loneliness and chronic social isolation among individuals aged 60 years and over will be included. Disease-specific samples will be excluded. The focus of data extraction will be on methods, sample characteristics and key findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) standardised critical appraisal instrument for prevalence studies will be used for assessing the quality of the studies. Two reviewers will be responsible for carrying out the study selection, data extraction and assessment of study quality. The results will be presented through the use of figures, tables, narrative summaries and a meta-analysis and meta-regression. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No primary data will be collected. Thus, there is no need for approval from an ethics committee. We intend to share our results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giuliana Posi
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Lewis S, Willis K, Smith L, Dubbin L, Rogers A, Moensted ML, Smallwood N. There but not really involved: The meanings of loneliness for people with chronic illness. Soc Sci Med 2024; 343:116596. [PMID: 38246108 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness is one of the most pressing and rapidly growing contemporary social challenges around the world. Yet we still lack a good understanding of how loneliness is constituted and experienced by those most affected. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 people with chronic illness who were experiencing loneliness to explore what loneliness means to them and how it impacts in their daily lives. Drawing on ideas around liquidity and performativity, we identified the relational, temporal and social layers of loneliness. Our analysis revealed the interconnectedness of chronic illness and loneliness in participants' daily lives, as well as how chronic illness shifts temporal orientation, and transforms interpersonal relationships and relationship with self, contributing to the experiences of loneliness. Though participants described the many social conditions that restricted their opportunities for social participation, giving them a sense of being left behind and spectating the social life of others, a rhetoric of loneliness as a problem and responsibility of the individual was still prominent. A narrative of the need to perform social connection emerged in the absence of meaningful social bonds with others. We argue that normative ideals of wellness and positivity circulating in chronic illness communities and society more broadly are implicated in the experience of loneliness for people with chronic conditions. We conclude by considering how more expansive representations of how to live well with chronic illness may be important in reducing personal and collective loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lewis
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Karen Willis
- Public Health, Institute for Health & Sport, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorraine Smith
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Anne Rogers
- University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Maja Lindegaard Moensted
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Central Clinical School, The Alfred, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Buchholz M, Zöllinger I, Thyrian JR, Luppa M, Zülke A, Döhring J, Lunden L, Sanftenberg L, Brettschneider C, Czock D, Frese T, Gensichen J, Hoffmann W, Kaduszkiewicz H, König HH, Wiese B, Riedel-Heller SG, Blotenberg I. Factors Associated with Lower Social Activity in German Older Adults at Increased Risk of Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1443-1455. [PMID: 38607756 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Studies demonstrate associations between low social activity in older adults and cognitive decline. Little has been investigated regarding which factors are associated with low social activity in older adults at increased risk of dementia. Objective We investigate which sociodemographic, psychological, health-related, and environmental factors are associated with low social activity in older adults at increased risk of dementia. Additionally, we describe the stages of health behavior change, the types of social activities, and the duration of the current level of social activity. Methods We used baseline data of 1,015 participants from the AgeWell.de trial. We conducted logistic and Poisson regression analyses to investigate factors associated with low social activity. We report descriptive statistics on the stages of change in the sample, the types of social activities most frequently pursued, and the duration of the current level of social activity. Results Lower income, non-usage of public transport, depressive symptoms, cognitive, mobility, and hearing impairment were negatively associated with social activity. The majority of the sample was in the maintenance stage, followed by the precontemplation stage. The most common social activities were traveling and hobbies with others. Participants have maintained their current level of social activity for several years. Conclusions We identified a lack of resources (income, transport), depressive symptoms and poorer health (cognitive, mobility and hearing impairment) as barriers to social activity. Interventions promoting social activity in older adults at risk of dementia may specifically target individuals with these risk factors. Low-threshold opportunities for social activity may be particularly beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maresa Buchholz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Isabel Zöllinger
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen René Thyrian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald (UMG), Greifswald, Germany
- University of Siegen, Faculty V: School of Life Sciences, Siegen, Germany
| | - Melanie Luppa
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Zülke
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juliane Döhring
- Institute of General Practice, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Laura Lunden
- Institute of General Practice, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Linda Sanftenberg
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Brettschneider
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Czock
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Jochen Gensichen
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald (UMG), Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgitt Wiese
- MHH Information Technology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steffi G Riedel-Heller
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Iris Blotenberg
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany
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Bradley N, Dowrick C, Lloyd-Williams M. Explaining how and why social support groups in hospice day services benefit palliative care patients, for whom, and in what circumstances. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231214549. [PMID: 38044931 PMCID: PMC10693225 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231214549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care aims to provide holistic support for people with life-limiting illness, responding to psychological, social and spiritual needs, as well as to clinical and physical. In the United Kingdom, hospice day services (including day care, group interventions, group activities, and social events for palliative care outpatients) aim to provide opportunities for patients to gain social support, which is thought to improve their quality of life. Objectives This research explored social support within hospice day services, to explain in detail how and why social support obtained within a hospice day service could be beneficial to palliative care patients. Design Qualitative research using observations of hospice day services and interviews with service providers. Methods Data collection involved nineteen interviews with hospice service providers (n = 19) and researcher observations of hospice day services. The findings detail how patient and hospice context interact to produce mechanisms that lead to outcomes beyond the hospice day service. Results Practical, clinical and social aspects of the hospice day service are important for patients feeling welcome and safe in the setting. The opportunity to connect with other people and work towards personal goals can boost self-confidence for patients who have lost access to meaningful activity. New friendships between patients encourages reciprocal support and feelings of belonging. It is beneficial to have permission to speak freely about topics deemed inappropriate elsewhere, because honest communication is helpful in accepting and adapting to their circumstances. Conclusion Hospice day services facilitate group settings for reciprocal social support. This research proposes an initial programme theory that can be further developed and tested. It explains how and why, in some contexts, social support increases personal and practical resources to cope with illness and death, leading to changes outside of the hospice (to mood, interpersonal interactions and behaviour) that could improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Bradley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK
- Centre for Health & Clinical Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol BS16 1DD, UK
| | - Christopher Dowrick
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mari Lloyd-Williams
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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