1
|
Luk JW, Leiter N, Stangl BL, Gunawan T, Schwandt ML, Goldman D, Diazgranados N, Ramchandani VA. Associations of history of alcohol use disorder with loneliness, social support, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry Res 2024; 335:115826. [PMID: 38479194 PMCID: PMC11229409 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115826] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and treatment history on changes in loneliness, social support, and mental health symptoms from before to during the pandemic, and tested loneliness and social support as mediators of the AUD-mental health associations. Participants (n = 427) enrolled in the NIAAA COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Alcohol Study were categorized into three groups: healthy control (62.3%), nontreatment AUD (14.1%), and treatment AUD (23.7%). Multilevel generalized linear models were conducted to examine changes in loneliness, social support, and mental health symptoms by group. Path analyses tested the mediating roles of loneliness and social support. Loneliness increased during the pandemic, especially in the nontreatment AUD group. Social support decreased in the healthy control and AUD treatment group. Anxiety and depressive symptoms increased in the nontreatment AUD group. Individuals with a history of AUD regardless of treatment history reported greater loneliness, which was linked to higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. Loneliness, but not social support, mediated the AUD-mental health associations. Psychosocial interventions aimed at increasing positive social engagement among individuals with AUD may help alleviate feelings of loneliness and mitigate mental health symptoms. Study findings can also help improve preparedness for future public health crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Luk
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Noa Leiter
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bethany L Stangl
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tommy Gunawan
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States; Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Melanie L Schwandt
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David Goldman
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States; Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Nancy Diazgranados
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tomstad S, Sundsli K, Sævareid HI, Söderhamn U. Social Contact and Belonging Among Older People Receiving Home Care Nursing. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:1189-1198. [PMID: 38505653 PMCID: PMC10950076 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s452081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Support of social contact and a sense of belonging may be essential for older persons who need help, to take care of their wellbeing and reduce the feeling of loneliness. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the features that influence social contact and belonging among older persons who received home care nursing. Patients and Methods The study involved nine individual in-depth interviews with older persons residing in Norway. The interviews were analyzed in accordance with a model of content analysis. Findings Social contact and belonging among the older persons depended on the availability of necessary resources that foster social activity, contact with family and friends, and housing quality. Interaction with helpers and accommodation of their needs as necessary were important for these persons. Reflecting on the past and considering life in context may be essential as a basis for their present and future life. Conclusion The results of the present study indicated that a sense of being cared for and supported are important for social contact and belonging. Social activity, engagement in family and contact with friends and neighbors are valued. However, a proportion of older persons are not engaged in such activities. Volunteer help may be a key factor for improving social contact. Moreover, contact and communication with home care nurses are important for recognition as valued persons and as a link to the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Tomstad
- Centre for Caring Research, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Kari Sundsli
- Centre for Caring Research, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Hans Inge Sævareid
- Centre for Caring Research, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Ulrika Söderhamn
- Centre for Caring Research, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meehan DE, Grunseit A, Condie J, HaGani N, Merom D. Social-ecological factors influencing loneliness and social isolation in older people: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:726. [PMID: 37946155 PMCID: PMC10636946 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04418-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There are growing calls from researchers and policy makers to redefine loneliness and social isolation (SI) as public health issues, and to move towards a transdisciplinary, systems-based approach, due to their association with significant health risks, particularly in older people. Research about loneliness and SI in older people has typically adopted a narrow focus, evaluating effects of individual and inter-personal factors on these experiences. Less is known about the community and societal influences that may be used to inform public health interventions. We conducted a scoping review applying Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the social-ecological model framework in order to: i) identify the available evidence for the influence of the community and societal factors on loneliness and SI as experienced by older people; ii) examine how quantitative research about community- and societal-level factors of loneliness and SI in the older population is conducted; and iii) identify current knowledge gaps in relation to the use of the social-ecological model in this area. A total of 52 articles from 30 countries met the inclusion criteria, including 33 observational studies, primarily cross-sectional (88%), and 19 interventions, mostly (89%) pre-post evaluations. The majority of included articles measured loneliness only (n = 34, 65%), while 11 measured both loneliness and SI (21%). To measure these outcomes validated scales were frequently used. Eighteen community/societal factors were investigated in relation to loneliness and/or SI, most commonly neighbourhood safety, access to public third-places and cultural practices. Three societal-level interventions were found: two campaigns to reduce ageism and one which explored the impact of free public transport. Community-based interventions were either educational or enlisted volunteers to foster connections. There is a need for longitudinal studies to better understand the mechanisms through which community- and societal- level factors affect loneliness and SI, which in turn will guide interventions that utilise the social-ecological framework for these issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drew Eleanor Meehan
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.
| | - Anne Grunseit
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jenna Condie
- School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Paramatta, Australia
| | - Neta HaGani
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Dafna Merom
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kadotani H, Okajima I, Yang K, Lim MH. Editorial: The impact of social isolation and loneliness on mental health and wellbeing. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1106216. [PMID: 36589932 PMCID: PMC9795575 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1106216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kadotani
- Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan,*Correspondence: Hiroshi Kadotani ✉
| | - Isa Okajima
- Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Sciences Laboratory, Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Humanities, Tokyo Kasei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keming Yang
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle H. Lim
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia,Prevention Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Henderson M, Hughes M, Hurley J, Smith G. Voluntary male mentors' lived experience of social engagement with men in their community. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e6286-e6293. [PMID: 36264134 PMCID: PMC10092316 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Men volunteering to mentor other men is a growing form of social engagement in Australia. Masculine norms associated with not disclosing emotional distress or discussing loneliness are often set aside by participating in these one-to-one relationships. Mentors have reported improvement in their well-being and a desire to contribute more. In this phenomenological study, which draws on hermeneutic methodology, 12 men who voluntarily met and mentored another adult man for a minimum of 6 months participated in a semi-structured interview. Findings showed non-judgement and deep listening facilitated a rewarding and personally developmental relationship. Most voluntary mentors experienced substantial changes in their masculine views, particularly with the regard to trust and openness with others. This experience has implications for men realising their ability to engage others and for community well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Henderson
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
| | - Mark Hughes
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
| | - John Hurley
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
| | - Gregory Smith
- Faculty of BusinessLaw and Arts, Southern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Site A, Lohan ES, Jolanki O, Valkama O, Hernandez RR, Latikka R, Alekseeva D, Vasudevan S, Afolaranmi S, Ometov A, Oksanen A, Martinez Lastra J, Nurmi J, Fernandez FN. Managing Perceived Loneliness and Social-Isolation Levels for Older Adults: A Survey with Focus on Wearables-Based Solutions. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22031108. [PMID: 35161852 PMCID: PMC8839843 DOI: 10.3390/s22031108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
As an inevitable process, the number of older adults is increasing in many countries worldwide. Two of the main problems that society is being confronted with more and more, in this respect, are the inter-related aspects of feelings of loneliness and social isolation among older adults. In particular, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its associated restrictions have exacerbated the loneliness and social-isolation problems. This paper is first and foremost a comprehensive survey of loneliness monitoring and management solutions, from the multidisciplinary perspective of technology, gerontology, socio-psychology, and urban built environment. In addition, our paper also investigates machine learning-based technological solutions with wearable-sensor data, suitable to measure, monitor, manage, and/or diminish the levels of loneliness and social isolation, when one also considers the constraints and characteristics coming from social science, gerontology, and architecture/urban built environments points of view. Compared to the existing state of the art, our work is unique from the cross-disciplinary point of view, because our authors' team combines the expertise from four distinct domains, i.e., gerontology, social psychology, architecture, and wireless technology in addressing the two inter-related problems of loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This work combines a cross-disciplinary survey of the literature in the four aforementioned domains with a proposed wearable-based technological solution, introduced first as a generic framework and, then, exemplified through a simple proof of concept with dummy data. As the main findings, we provide a comprehensive view on challenges and solutions in utilizing various technologies, particularly those carried by users, also known as wearables, to measure, manage, and/or diminish the social isolation and the perceived loneliness among older adults. In addition, we also summarize the identified solutions which can be used for measuring and monitoring various loneliness- and social isolation-related metrics, and we present and validate, through a simple proof-of-concept mechanism, an approach based on machine learning for predicting and estimating loneliness levels. Open research issues in this field are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Site
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (D.A.); (A.O.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Elena Simona Lohan
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (D.A.); (A.O.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Outi Jolanki
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (O.J.); (O.V.); (R.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Outi Valkama
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (O.J.); (O.V.); (R.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Rosana Rubio Hernandez
- Faculty of Built Environment, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (R.R.H.); (F.N.F.)
| | - Rita Latikka
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (O.J.); (O.V.); (R.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Daria Alekseeva
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (D.A.); (A.O.); (J.N.)
| | - Saigopal Vasudevan
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (S.V.); (S.A.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Samuel Afolaranmi
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (S.V.); (S.A.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Aleksandr Ometov
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (D.A.); (A.O.); (J.N.)
| | - Atte Oksanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (O.J.); (O.V.); (R.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Jose Martinez Lastra
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (S.V.); (S.A.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Jari Nurmi
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, 33720 Tampere, Finland; (D.A.); (A.O.); (J.N.)
| | | |
Collapse
|