Social Isolation and Loneliness Among U.S. Adults With Self-Reported Hospitalization

Area of Science:

• Social epidemiology
• Health services research
• Gerontology

Background:

• Social isolation and loneliness are significant public health concerns, particularly among vulnerable populations.
• Hospitalization can exacerbate or trigger feelings of isolation and loneliness in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness in U.S. adults who have been hospitalized.
• To identify demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors associated with social isolation and loneliness in this population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of cross-sectional survey data from the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).
• Inclusion of U.S. adults aged 18 years and older with at least one self-reported hospitalization.
• Application of weighted descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• Prevalence: 22.6% experienced social isolation, 26.6% experienced loneliness.
• Social isolation associated with middle/low income, public insurance, depression, and prior hospitalizations.
• Loneliness associated with marital status (widowed, divorced, separated, never married), depression, and poor perceived health.
• Older adults (45-64 and ≥65 years) and Non-Hispanic Black individuals had lower odds of social isolation.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of hospitalized U.S. adults experience social isolation and loneliness.
• Routine screening for social isolation and loneliness during hospitalization is recommended to identify at-risk individuals.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these issues in hospitalized populations.