Impact of loneliness in the elderly in health care: a cross-sectional study in an urban region of Portugal

Background
Loneliness is a subjective, complex and multi-dimensional feeling, having a significant impact on mental health. It is related to intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Objectives
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of loneliness in elderly patients in medical care.

Material and methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of a sample of 150 participants, aged ≥ 65 years, interviewed by a structured questionnaire, including the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA -LS ), for assessment of loneliness. Other variables included socio-demographic characterisation and family dysfunction. Total medication prescription and polymedication were used to assess the medical care assistance profile. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.

Results
The prevalence of moderate to severe loneliness was 36% (95% CI: 28.3–44.2%), higher with ageing, without differences between gender. The greatest impact in loneliness occurred in the presence of family dysfunction, income dissatisfaction, living alone and ageing. Being married/in a non-marital partnership and maintaining professional activity appeared as protective factors. The perception of loneliness was related with polymedication, with higher levels of loneliness matching with higher polymedication.

Conclusions
Loneliness is common in the geriatric population and interferes significantly with health care; thus, it can be considered a determinant of health. Incorporating this factor into clinical decision reasoning is crucial for better health care.