Loneliness and the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for practice.

Br J Nurs

Professor of Applied Social and Policy Research and Director, Centre for Loneliness, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University.

Published: February 2024

Loneliness is a complex universal human experience. A variety of evidence indicates that prolonged loneliness can have a negative effect on an individual's long-term physical and psychological outcomes. Empirical evidence and systematic reviews show strong links between loneliness and ill health, particularly cardiovascular disease and mental health. Loneliness is increasing in frequency and severity. The issue of loneliness has been part of UK Government mandates since 2018; however, evidence suggests that, due to the pandemic, the need to focus on the issue may be even more significant. Assessing for loneliness can be challenging and many people do not want to report their feelings of loneliness. Interventions should aim to be preventive and help people create meaningful interactions. Useful interventions include person-centred interventions, cognitive therapy and group intervention therapy. There is a need for more evidence-based loneliness interventions. A knowledge of local and voluntary sectors is vital so health professionals can effectively support their patients.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2024.33.3.110DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

loneliness
9
loneliness interventions
8
loneliness covid-19
4
covid-19 pandemic
4
pandemic implications
4
implications practice
4
practice loneliness
4
loneliness complex
4
complex universal
4
universal human
4

Similar Publications

: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian state and federal governments enacted boarder closures, social distancing measures, and lockdowns. By the end of October 2020, the 112-day lockdown in the Australian state of Victoria was the longest continuous lockdown period internationally. Previous studies have examined how the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions have affected Australians' mental health and well-being; however, less is known about the relationship between psychological variables and well-being.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Although the impact of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) on patients and public health is undeniably significant, its etiology remains largely unclear. Much research has been conducted on the pathophysiology, shedding light on various aspects; however, due to the multitude of symptoms and clinical conditions that directly or indirectly define PACS, it is challenging to establish definitive causations. In this exploration, through systematically reviewing the latest pathophysiological findings related to the neurological symptoms of the syndrome, we aim to examine how psychosocial and neuropsychological symptoms may overlap with neurological ones, and how they may not only serve as risk factors but also contribute to the persistence of some primary symptoms of the disorder.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Evaluating digital mental health services across racial and ethnic identities is crucial to ensuring health equity. We examined how People of Color (POC) and White adults were using and benefiting from an employer-sponsored digital mental health platform. A sample of 947 adults (42% POC) consented to an observational study and completed surveys on their identities and mental health outcomes at baseline and three-month follow-up.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Context: The impact of forced migration on the mental health of refugee men is far-reaching and compounded by gendered masculinity, which shapes men's access to employment and other resources. A gap in knowledge exists on the broader determinants of refugee men's mental health.

Methodology: Using community-based participatory action research and the arts-based method of photovoice, this study advances knowledge about the gendered impacts of forced migration from the perspective of ( = 11) Syrian refugee men in the Canadian context.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique and unprecedented challenges for international students, those studying at institutions of higher education outside of their home countries, due to their distinct circumstances and vulnerabilities. This literature review examines the multifaceted mental health burdens they experienced and highlights the need for targeted support and interventions.

Methods: A rigorous search across three databases (i.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!