Prevalence and correlates of loneliness in India: A systematic review
2020
Introduction: Loneliness is a critical
psychosocial problem that affects mental health and wellbeing of the individuals
and communities. This systematic review synthesized the current evidence on the
prevalence and correlates of loneliness from empirical studies conducted in
India. Methods: Adopting the Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines,
eight major databases and additional sources were searched. Studies were
evaluated using following criteria: peer-reviewed journal articles, published
in English language, presenting any quantitative form of evidence on
loneliness, and studies conducted in India among the Indian population. A meta-analysis
of the prevalence studies and narrative synthesis of the overall status and factors
associated with loneliness were conducted.Results: Among 1290 studies,
only 13 met our criteria. All the studies reported a high burden of loneliness
among the participants. The pooled prevalence among 3169 participants was 41%
(95% confidence interval [CI] 18% - 63%). The burden of loneliness was higher
among the elderly participants (44%, 95% CI 5% - 83%) compared to younger
participants (24%, 95% CI 22% - 27%). Factors associated with loneliness
included aging, family structure, marital status, religious practices, group
membership, educational attainment, source and level of income, psychological
attributes, and comorbid physical and mental health conditions among the
affected individuals.
Conclusion: This review
identified and evaluated the status and severity of loneliness and its
correlates, which may inform future studies examining complex psychopathological
and social dynamics associated with loneliness. Lastly, the current evidence
necessitates the development of multipronged interventions to address the risk
factors and alleviate the burden of loneliness in India.
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