Social dimensions of chronic respiratory disease: stigma, isolation, and loneliness

Social wellbeing is a core component of heath. However, people with chronic respiratory disease report unmet social needs, particularly in relation to stigma, social isolation, and loneliness. This review considers recent advances in understanding these social concepts within the context of chronic respiratory disease.

A growing body of qualitative work illustrates the detrimental impacts of stigma in chronic respiratory disease, contributing towards poorer psychological health and self-management, and reduced engagement with professional support. Stigma, alongside physical limitations stemming from respiratory symptoms, can also contribute to social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with poorer mental health and quality of life, declines in function, and in some cases, increased hospital admissions. Although close or cohabiting relationships can ameliorate some social challenges, isolation and loneliness can also impact informal carers of people with chronic respiratory disease.

Increasing evidence illustrates the direct and indirect influences of social dimensions on health outcomes for people living with chronic respiratory disease. Although there is increased understanding of the lived experiences of stigma, less is understood about the complexities of social isolation and loneliness in chronic respiratory disease, and optimal interventions to address social challenges.