Understanding Loneliness as a Preventive Health Priority Among Men: Findings From an Australian Population Survey

Area of Science:

• Men's health
• Social determinants of health
• Mental wellbeing

Background:

• Masculinity norms and risky behaviors contribute to poorer men's health.
• Loneliness is an emerging factor influencing men's health outcomes.
• Understanding loneliness prevalence and its impact on preventive health is crucial for Australian men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of loneliness among Australian men.
• To investigate the relationship between loneliness and preventive health capabilities in men.

Main Methods:

• A national cross-sectional survey of 1282 Australian men aged 18 and over.
• Loneliness levels (low, moderate, severe) were analyzed against socio-demographic and health characteristics.
• Multivariable modeling examined severe loneliness's association with prevention knowledge, attitudes, health literacy, and empowerment.

Main Results:

• Moderate and severe loneliness affected 27.2% and 15.8% of men, respectively.
• Severe loneliness was more common in middle-aged men, those without partners, of lower socioeconomic status, in specific occupations, or with disabilities/mental health conditions.
• Men with severe loneliness exhibited lower positive attitudes towards preventive care (e.g., cancer screening, GP visits), reduced health literacy, and lower health empowerment.

Conclusions:

• Moderate to severe loneliness is prevalent in Australian men.
• Severe loneliness is significantly associated with reduced capacity for preventive health actions.
• Prioritizing men's relationship quality is essential for disease prevention, injury reduction, and lifelong wellbeing strategies.