Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
Social isolation, loneliness and the risk of Frailty status: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Yannan Zhao1, Bei Deng1, Xinglin Cheng1
1School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Background& Objective:
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between social isolation, loneliness and the risk of frailty across different populations.
Search Methods:
We conducted a systematic meta-analysis of cohort studies published from 2018 to 2025. A comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, using relevant MeSH terms and keywords: "social isolation", "loneliness", "frailty" and "risk". Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study characteristics and population demographics. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots.
Results:
A total of 8 cohort studies, encompassing 78,769 participants, were included. The pooled OR for social isolation and frailty risk was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.16-1.48, I² = 95.1%, p < 0.001). Loneliness was associated with an increased risk of frailty (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.76-1.89, I² = 43.4%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed a significantly higher frailty risk in Asian populations (OR = 1.314, 95% CI: 1.115-1.549, p < 0.001), and females with a history of social isolation have a slightly higher risk of frail states than males.
Conclusion:
Loneliness is a significant predictor of frailty risk, particularly in Asian populations. Early detection of loneliness may play a crucial role in frailty status prevention strategies.
Clinical Trial Number:
Not Applicable. The present systematic review is registered in PROSPERO's International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD420251173118 dated 13th Feb 2025).
Related Concept Videos
Development of Human Microbiota
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Importance of Need for Affiliation
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
Relationship Formation
Bias in Epidemiological Studies

