The Platform
The Platform
9 February 2022
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify data availability, gaps, and patterns for population level prevalence of loneliness globally, to summarise prevalence estimates within World Health Organization regions when feasible through meta-analysis, and to examine temporal trends of loneliness in countries where data exist. It found that problematic levels of loneliness are experienced by a substantial proportion of the population in many countries. The substantial difference in data coverage between high income countries (particularly Europe) and low and middle income countries raised an important equity issue. Evidence on the temporal trends of loneliness is insufficient. The findings of this meta-analysis are limited by data scarcity and methodological heterogeneity. Loneliness should be incorporated into general health surveillance with broader geographical and age coverage, using standardised and validated measurement tools.
Age-friendly Environments
Combatting Ageism
Integrated Care
Long-term Care
The BMJ
Global
Academia
Health Care
> Meta-analysis
social isolation, loneliness, social connection, COVID-19, covid
