Loneliness, Social Networks, and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in Three Countries

Laura Alejandra Rico-Uribe, Francisco Félix Caballero, Beatriz Olaya, Beata Tobiasz-Adamczyk, Seppo Koskinen, Matilde Leonardi, Josep Maria Haro, Somnath Chatterji, José Luis Ayuso-Mateos, Marta Miret, Laura Alejandra Rico-Uribe, Francisco Félix Caballero, Beatriz Olaya, Beata Tobiasz-Adamczyk, Seppo Koskinen, Matilde Leonardi, Josep Maria Haro, Somnath Chatterji, José Luis Ayuso-Mateos, Marta Miret

Abstract

Objective: It is widely recognized that social networks and loneliness have effects on health. The present study assesses the differential association that the components of the social network and the subjective perception of loneliness have with health, and analyzes whether this association is different across different countries.

Methods: A total of 10 800 adults were interviewed in Finland, Poland and Spain. Loneliness was assessed by means of the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Individuals' social networks were measured by asking about the number of members in the network, how often they had contacts with these members, and whether they had a close relationship. The differential association of loneliness and the components of the social network with health was assessed by means of hierarchical linear regression models, controlling for relevant covariates.

Results: In all three countries, loneliness was the variable most strongly correlated with health after controlling for depression, age, and other covariates. Loneliness contributed more strongly to health than any component of the social network. The relationship between loneliness and health was stronger in Finland (|β| = 0.25) than in Poland (|β| = 0.16) and Spain (|β| = 0.18). Frequency of contact was the only component of the social network that was moderately correlated with health.

Conclusions: Loneliness has a stronger association with health than the components of the social network. This association is similar in three different European countries with different socio-economic and health characteristics and welfare systems. The importance of evaluating and screening feelings of loneliness in individuals with health problems should be taken into account. Further studies are needed in order to be able to confirm the associations found in the present study and infer causality.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1. Relationship between frequency of contact…
Fig 1. Relationship between frequency of contact with members of the network and health status by country, adjusted for the covariates considered in the multiple linear regression model.
Fig 2. Relationship between loneliness and health…
Fig 2. Relationship between loneliness and health status by country, adjusted for the covariates considered in the multiple linear regression model.
Fig 3. Mean score on 3-item UCLA…
Fig 3. Mean score on 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, by country and age group.

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