Digital technology interventions to reduce loneliness in adults: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background Loneliness is an emerging public health issue and its burden is increasing in developed countries. Loneliness is associated with social, emotional, physical and mental health issues. Tackling loneliness is important to reduce its adverse impacts on individuals with loneliness and their families. Various digital technology-based interventions are used to tackle loneliness. Assessing the effectiveness of these interventions is important from the health, social care and public health perspectives. Aim To undertake a systematic review of published primary research on digital technology interventions to reduce loneliness in adults. Methods Databases searched: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria: empirical research articles involving the application of digital technology interventions for tackling loneliness; participants aged ≥18 years and publication in the English Language from 1 January 2010 to 14 January 2019. Two researchers systematically screened articles and data were extracted from shortlisted articles applying a population, intervention(s), comparator(s) and outcome(s) (PICO) framework. Results We selected 14 studies mostly from developed countries such as the US (n = 5) and Sweden (n = 3). We found a wide variation in the sample sizes (range 5-591 participants), participants’ age (range 32-90, average 66.4-82.5 years) and the follow-up measurement period (6 weeks-12 months) in the selected studies. Digital technology interventions tested were Internet-based social activities and networking through video or phone calls (using Skype (n = 6) and Facebook (n = 2)), communicating via emails (n = 2). Most of the studies used the UCLA loneliness scale (n = 9) and reported reductions in loneliness in follow-up measurements compared to baseline measurements. Conclusions Digital interventions are associated with reduced loneliness in adults; however, further studies such as clinical trials involving larger sample sizes are needed. Key messages Loneliness is associated with social, emotional, physical and mental health problems and the burden of loneliness is increasing, especially in developed countries. Digital technology interventions help in reducing loneliness in adults but further research including clinical trials involving large sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required.