Loneliness

The trial defines loneliness as a subjective emotional state caused by perceived deficiencies in social relationships and connections. Loneliness was measured with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. About one-quarter of older adults in high-income countries have experienced loneliness. Estimated global loneliness among adolescents ranges from 9.2% to 14.4%. The primary outcome of the trial is loneliness measured with the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. Higher UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 scores indicate greater loneliness. Loneliness predicted all three symptom outcomes, but the cross-sectional design prevented determining the direction of the relationship. Among doctors who experienced loneliness, depressive symptom prevalence was 65%. Loneliness in later life is framed as a public health problem linked to mental and physical harms. Loneliness is associated with worse mental health, poorer well-being, poorer cognition, and poorer physical health. The programme targeted loneliness as a modifiable problem affecting older adults and adolescents.