A community survey of loneliness

Abstract

Background: Loneliness is associated with an increased incidence of a wide range of physical and mental health problems. The detection, prevention and amelioration of loneliness is an important public health issue for nurses.

Methods: This study reports findings from the 2002 Central Queensland Social Survey. The aims of the study were to (i). establish the extent of loneliness in a community sample; and (ii). to identify the factors that are predictors of loneliness. A random sample of 1241 subjects were interviewed by Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing. This interview included the Loneliness Scale formulated by De Jong Gierveld and Kamphuis.

Findings: Loneliness is a common phenomenon and risk factors include experience of domestic violence in current relationship, not having recent paid employment, not being married/partnered, and the number of children under 18 years in a household. Loneliness is not associated with higher rates of health care professional consultations.

Conclusion: Loneliness is a very common problem and should be seen as a major public health issue. Nurses, through a community capacity building framework, have a major role to play in the prevention of loneliness.