Experiences Of Social Isolation Research Articles

Subjective Poverty, Family Support and Health-Related Well-Being of School-Aged Children in Single-Parent Households in Ghana: The Role of Health Literacy and Duration of Parental Separation

AbstractThis study expands ongoing inquiry and debates on the influence of single-parent households on child health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the phenomenon is rapidly increasing. It examines how conventional (i.e., access to money for children—conceived as experience of poverty—, family support, and experience of social isolation) and contemporary (i.e., health literacy) factors shape the health-related well-being of children in single-parent homes in Ghana in the short-, medium- (five years or less) and long-term (6 years +). It also investigates the extent to which health literacy explains how other factors influence their health-related well-being. Data was gathered through a cross-sectional survey conducted in Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana (n = 337). Based on binary logistic regression and structural equation modelling analysis, health literacy (Odds Ratio, OR, = 1.086, p < 0.05) and social isolation (OR, = 0.584, p < 0.05) were associated with the health-related well-being of children who had been separated from a parent for five years or less while family support (OR = 1.592, p < 0.05) was associated with the health-related well-being of children separated from a parent for more than five years. Health literacy explained the association of experience of poverty (β = -0.012, p < 0.05) and experience of social isolation (β = -0.010, p < 0.10) with their health-related well-being. However, these significant relationships did not differ according to the duration of separation. The results underscore the need to invest in policies and programmes that can reduce exposure to health risks and empower children in single-parent households to contribute to protecting their health-related well-being.

Military Widows’ Experiences of Social Isolation, Loneliness and Unmet Social Needs

Military widow/ers can experience spousal death suddenly and in traumatic circumstances. Evidence shows that this experience often has a long-term effect on surviving family members, highlighting the unique experiences of loneliness and social isolation in the armed forces community. This study aimed to explore military widow/ers’ lived experiences of social isolation and loneliness and unmet needs relating to social participation. This paper presents the qualitative findings of a sequential study in which Phase One utilized an online survey (N = 165) and Phase Two employed semi-structured interviews (N = 26). Almost all participants across both Phases discussed feeling lonely, socially isolated, or both. Findings highlight the complexity in transition from military spouse to military widow/er through the loss of a military community and geographical location. This was further compounded by language barriers and perceived hierarchy (through service life or circumstances of death) which created obstacles to help seeking. However, individuals who did join military widow/ers’ associations valued peer support through shared connection and understanding. Peer support was particularly valued as, for many, existing relationships with friends or family members were often negatively impacted following bereavement. These changed relationships led to feelings of both vulnerability and loss. Consideration needs to be given to how access to appropriate support is gained and what provision needs to be in place. This study recommends the use of more inclusive language for the military bereaved to promote inclusive practices and broaden the availability of support, including that which would increase social participation, across the sector.

Social functioning in adults with visual impairment from minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom.

Visual impairment (V.I.) has been associated with a negative impact on social functioning, while social support can impact on well-being in those with V.I. Adults from minority ethnic communities (MEC) are projected to make up an increasing proportion of adults living with V.I. in the UK, but limited research has explored their social functioning. This article provides a preliminary insight into social functioning among MEC adults living with V.I. in the UK. The article reports findings from a secondary analysis of V.I. Lives survey data. V.I. Lives was a UK telephone survey, which explored the life experiences of people with V.I. across a wide range of topics including social functioning. This secondary analysis explored social participation, support, isolation, and relationships among a matched control sample of 77 MEC and 77 adults aged 18 and over from White communities (WC). Participants were matched on age, gender, UK region and urban/rural setting. Subgroup analyses were also conducted for the two largest subgroups within the MEC group, Asian (n = 46) and Black participants (n = 22). Contact with like-minded people (U = 2174.50, p = 0.003, r = -0.24) and opportunities to take part in more social activities (U = 2253.50, p = 0.007, r = -0.22) was significantly more important to MEC than WC participants. Moreover, MEC participants were significantly less likely to feel supported by friends/family (U = 3522.50, p = 0.017, r = 0.19) and had fewer people they could ask for help (U = 3775.50, p = 0.001, r = 0.26), but there were no significant differences in the perceived impact of V.I. on their friendships/social life and marriage/relationship, their ability to take part in a range of activities, nor their marital status. Asian participants were significantly more likely than Black participants to feel cut off from the people and places around them (U = 655.50, p = 0.042, r = 0.25). Effect sizes were overall small. Although there were no further statistically significant differences between the two groups, Asian participants were also less likely to be able to take part in activities, and more likely to report a negative impact on their social life/friendships and on their marriage/relationship, as well as a smaller social network. The findings suggest that V.I. may have had a greater impact on social functioning among Asian participants in this sample, including on experiences of social isolation and participation in social activities. Future research will need to confirm these findings and explore the possible reasons.

Experiences of social isolation and loneliness in middle-aged and older autistic adults

Background Young autistic people often experience social isolation and loneliness. Despite social isolation and loneliness increasing in later life in non-autistic populations, no studies have examined whether middle-aged and older autistic adults are at an increased likelihood of these experiences. Methods 428 adults (autistic n = 265) aged 40–93 years (mean = 60.5 years) completed questionnaires related to social connectedness/isolation, loneliness, and mental health. Group differences and associations were examined. Results The autistic group was less socially connected and lonelier than the non-autistic group. While there were few gender differences in social connectedness, women were lonelier than men in both groups, including when controlling for age and mental health. Social connectedness decreased with age in both groups, loneliness only increased with age in the autistic group. For both social connectedness and loneliness, age associations were significantly stronger in men than women. Conclusions Autistic adults may be particularly susceptible to social isolation and loneliness in midlife and older age. While autistic women were lonelier than autistic men, autistic men may be at greater risk of increasing social isolation and loneliness with older age. This study highlights the need for evidence-based interventions to address social isolation and to reduce loneliness for autistic people as they age.

SOCIALLY ACTIVE OR ISOLATED? OLDER COMMUNITY-DWELLING ITALIANS’ EXPERIENCES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract Media coverage of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized their experiences of social isolation – a risk that pre-dated the pandemic but was magnified by it. A focus on older adults’ pandemic-induced isolation also is evident in gerontological research. This depiction, however, may not capture the complexity of older adults’ experiences during the pandemic. Our study examined this topic using semi-structured interviews that were conducted with participants in a senior center in a mid-sized northern Italian city in May 2022 (n=23). Our analysis revealed that the pandemic had some negative effects on older adults’ social relationships; however, it also identified strategies that older adults used to maintain and even enhance their connections with others. Participants described reduced in-person interaction with family and friends, stemming from less daily interaction and the cancellation of family gatherings. They compensated for these losses, to some degree, with regular phone and video calls. Participants also described permanently strained relationships with family members and friends, often the result of differing views of COVID-19 vaccines. The pandemic’s challenges, however, enhanced other social relationships through exchanges of moral and practical support. In contrast with the frequent depiction of older adults’ isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, our data reveal strategies that allowed them to remain socially engaged and active in their communities.

Examining the Interrelationships Between Social Isolation and Loneliness and Their Correlates Among Older British Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Evidence From Four British Longitudinal Studies.

Unprecedented social restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have provided a new lens for considering the interrelationship between social isolation and loneliness in later life. We present these interrelationships before and during the COVID-19 restrictions and investigate to what extent demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors associated with such experiences differed during the pandemic. We used data from four British longitudinal population-based studies (1946 NSHD, 1958 NCDS, 1970 BCS, and ELSA, N = 12,129). Rates, co-occurrences, and correlates of social isolation and loneliness are presented prior to and during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic and the interrelationships between these experiences are elucidated in both periods. Across the Four studies, prepandemic proportions reporting social isolation ranged from 15% to 54%, with higher rates in older ages (e.g., 32% of individuals aged 70-79 years and 54% of those more than 80). During the pandemic, the percentage of older people reporting both social isolation and loneliness and isolation only slightly increased. The interrelationship between social isolation and loneliness did not change. Associations between sociodemographic and health characteristics and social isolation and loneliness also remained consistent, with greater burden among those with higher economic precarity (females, nonhomeowners, unemployed, illness, and greater financial stress). There were already large inequalities in experiences of social isolation and loneliness and the pandemic had a small impact on worsening extent and inequalities in these. The concepts of loneliness and social isolation are not interchangeable, and clarity is needed in how they are conceptualized, operationalized, and interpreted. Given many older adults experience high levels of social isolation, there should be greater emphasis on reducing social isolation and the inequalities observed in who experiences greater isolation and loneliness.

Smart Speaker and ICT Use in Relationship With Social Connectedness During the Pandemic: Loneliness and Social Isolation Found in Older Adults in Low-Income Housing.

Social well-being of older adults living in low-income housing was disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We explored low-income residents' experiences of social isolation and loneliness and strategies to remain socially connected during the pandemic. As part of a larger, 3-phase user-centered design study, we conducted a qualitative study using focus groups to gain insights into social isolation experiences and the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs), including smart speakers, in social connectedness (N = 25, 76% African American). We also collected survey data to describe social isolation, loneliness, and current ICT use in the sample. Participants included both smart speaker users and nonusers. Experiences of social isolation and loneliness varied by participants' sociodemographic characteristics and previous experiences with smart speakers. Qualitative analysis showed participants demonstrated coping strategies developed during the pandemic to adapt to new norms of connecting with others, including technology-enabled social interactions. Participants expressed a strong desire to build community together in their facilities and highlighted the potential role of smart speakers in making meaningful social connections, encompassing safety checks to have a means for emergencies, and providing a virtual companion. Access, digital literacy, training, security, and privacy issues were discussed as factors affecting their adoption of new ICT for enhanced social connectedness. This study highlights the importance of understanding the unique social isolation experience, demographics, and social determinants of health of low-income residents to develop ICT-based interventions for social connectedness.

Older adults’ experiences of social isolation and loneliness: Can virtual touring increase social connectedness? A pilot study

The present pilot study explored the research aim of understanding how independent-living older adults experience social isolation and loneliness and whether virtual tour digital technology can increase social connectedness (N = 10). Through triangulation of interviews, experiences, and feedback, this study contributes to the knowledge base on the well-being of our ageing populations and how digital technologies, specifically virtual tourism, can aid in this process. The key findings reveal that the participants in our study were moderately lonely but were open to embracing more digital technology, sharing how it is instrumental in facilitating social connection and life administration. Participating in virtual tour experiences was well accepted as participants expressed enjoyment, nostalgia, and interest in future use. However, its contribution to increasing social connections needs to be clarified and requires further investigation. Several future research and education directions are provided.

Community-Dwelling Older Adults Attending a Fire and Falls Health Promotion Program and the Experience of Social Isolation and Loneliness.

Many health promotion programs are designed for older adults who live in the community. This research describes a health promotion program called "Remembering When" (a fire and fall prevention program). In 2020, a quality improvement project was developed to examine the effectiveness and impact of Remembering When among community-dwelling older adults. After analyzing the qualitative data collected for the project, an interesting observation of why older adults attended Remembering When emerged. Older adults might attend Remembering When because they experience social isolation and/or loneliness. The concepts of objective and subjective social isolation and loneliness were defined, and the implications of Remembering When around social isolation and loneliness were discussed. Secondary data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis steps. Four themes were generated: It is about me having choices, Joining the program as an old friend, We all need referrals , and I am housebound . Overall, 2 significant observations were made: (1) some older adults valued the opportunity to interact with Remembering When's team, which might help older adults decrease social isolation and loneliness, and (2) older adults needed more individualized programs to address their emotional and mental health and well-being needs.

Exploring the trajectory and correlates of social isolation for veterans across a 6-month period during COVID-19.

Social isolation is a relevant problem for veterans who are at risk for disengaging from others as a function of transition stress from military life to civilian life, and given high rates of exposure to trauma and psychological distress. Few researchers have examined social isolation in veterans over time, particularly during COVID-19 that led to significant barriers and restrictions on social interactions. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess veterans' experience of social isolation and its mental health and social functioning correlates during a 6-month period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 188 United States veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A total of four assessments were administered: one every two months for a total duration of six months. The average number of completed assessments across all participants was 3.70 (SD = 0.75) with 159 participants (84.13%) completing all four timepoints. Surveys included measures of global mental health and social functioning as indicated by perceived emotional support, quality of marriage, and couple satisfaction. Multilevel modeling was used to assess 1) growth models to determine whether social isolation changed over time and the trajectory of that change (i.e., linear or quadratic); and 2) whether social isolation was related to both concurrent and prospective indicators of mental health and social functioning. All analyses included person mean centered and grand mean centered isolation to assess for within-and between-person effects. Veterans reported a quadratic trajectory in social isolation that decreased slightly and stabilized over time. Findings indicate that higher social isolation, at both the within- and between-person level, was negatively associated with concurrent emotional support, mental health, quality of marriage, and couple satisfaction. However, all prospective effects were nonsignificant at the within-person level. Results suggest although isolation may decrease over time, veterans report worse mental health and social functioning during times when they report higher levels of social isolation compared to themselves and others. Future work is needed to determine if interventions can be applied during those times to prevent or target those negative associations.

Social isolation is linked to classical risk factors of Alzheimer's disease-related dementias.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is a major public health burden-compounding over upcoming years due to longevity. Recently, clinical evidence hinted at the experience of social isolation in expediting dementia onset. In 502,506 UK Biobank participants and 30,097 participants from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging, we revisited traditional risk factors for developing dementia in the context of loneliness and lacking social support. Across these measures of subjective and objective social deprivation, we have identified strong links between individuals' social capital and various indicators of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias risk, which replicated across both population cohorts. The quality and quantity of daily social encounters had deep connections with key aetiopathological factors, which represent 1) personal habits and lifestyle factors, 2) physical health, 3) mental health, and 4) societal and external factors. Our population-scale assessment suggest that social lifestyle determinants are linked to most neurodegeneration risk factors, highlighting them as promising targets for preventive clinical action.

The Impact of Emergency Online Learning on D/Deaf College Students’ Experience of Social Isolation, Self-Efficacy, and Well-Being

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many universities in the United States converted face-to-face classroom teaching to remote, online based learning formats. Gallaudet University was among these universities and faced particular challenges due to the need for visually accessible classrooms for d/Deaf students. Because college students are primarily made up of early and emerging adults, and d/Deaf college students have been shown to have better academic success when social connection is fostered, the current study sought to determine how d/Deaf students at Gallaudet University were emotionally impacted by the change to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The research question for this study was: How did the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent emergency switch to online course participation influence college students’ experience of well-being, self-efficacy, and loneliness? Results indicated that overall, d/Deaf students at Gallaudet university had positive emotional adjustment during this transition, despite challenges. Discussion describes within-group differences by age and how the University supported students and the campus community to encourage this positive outcome.

Newcomer Women's Experiences with Perinatal Care During the Three-Month Health Insurance Waiting Period in Ontario, Canada.

The three-month health insurance waiting period in Ontario reinforces health inequities for newcomer women and their babies. Little is known about the systemic factors that shape newcomer women's experiences during the OHIP waiting period. To examine the factors that shaped newcomer women's experiences with perinatal care during the three-month health insurance waiting period in Ontario, Canada. This qualitative study was informed by an intersectional framework, and guided by a critical ethnographic method. Individual interviews were conducted with four newcomer women and three perinatal healthcare professionals. Participant observations at recruitment and interview sites were integral to the study design. The key systemic factors that shaped newcomer women's experiences with perinatal care included social identity, migration, and the healthcare system. Social identities related to gender, race, and socio-economic status intersected to form a social location, which converged with newcomer women's experiences of social isolation and exclusion. These experiences, in turn, intersected with Ontario's problematic perinatal health services. Together, these factors form systems of oppression for newcomer women in the perinatal period. Given the health inequities that can result from these systems of oppression, it is important to adopt an upstream approach that is informed by the Human Rights Code of Ontario to improve accessibility to and the experiences of perinatal care for newcomer women.

Between comings and goings, the house

The present work, based on the Theory of the Imaginary, tries to find the imagery itinerary of José Luís Peixoto in the Return home, starting from the discussions about the myth of return - resonated since the Odyssey - and the Poetics of space, by Bachelard (2008), since these two images (return/home) are intertwined throughout the poetic narrative, which Added to these two founding elements of the text, it is observed how time in the closed space of the house unlocked, in the subject, feelings of fear and uncertainty in the face of the present. In this sense, it was found that the image of the house, in the aforementioned book, still recovers the symbolic of a protective space, updated in the experience of social isolation. The same update movement happens in the recovery of the Homeric myth, from which one can think of how the subjects found the need to return to the family environment because of the pandemic, at the same time that the For the realization of this article, we resort to the theoretical-methodological postulates of Bachelard (2008), Durand (1993), Mello (2002) and other authors.

Experiences of Social Isolation in Older Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Their Close Relatives: A Qualitative Study

Experiences of Social Isolation in Older Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Their Close Relatives: A Qualitative Study

SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS, AND MATTERING AMONG OLDER ADULT FACEBOOK USERS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS

Abstract Older adults who are childless and live alone are at risk for social isolation and loneliness. Studies show Facebook communication to be associated with feelings of mattering – the feeling that we are significant to others - a protective psychosocial resource. Despite being at similar stages in life, older adults, their technology use, and their experience of social isolation can vary greatly. This study explores how older adults from different demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds use Facebook and how that use is associated with perceptions of mattering, loneliness, and social isolation. This study employed online survey methodology among a sample of older adult Facebook users (n = 517; Mage=70; 50% Female; 92% White). Preliminary results show significant differences among income level, age, and gender regarding Facebook communication and mattering among older adults who are childless and live alone. We discuss our full results in tandem with qualitative data from our sample.

THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract Social isolation and loneliness are related but distinct constructs. A number of studies have examined these two constructs separately; however, the combined and interactive effects of social isolation and loneliness on health outcomes have rarely been studied. Using the most recent data of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS 2020) collected during the pandemic, this study aimed to explore the latent classes of social isolation and loneliness among adults aged 60 and older (N=3,486) and to examine the associated psychological well-being. Social isolation was measured by five indicators, including living alone, no membership in any organizations, and less than once a month contact with children, relatives, and friends. Loneliness was measured by the 3-item UCLA scale. Four classes were identified by the Latent Class Analysis (LCA): neither isolated nor lonely (class 1, 35%), living alone and lonely (class 2, 25%), no social participation and lonely (class 3, 18%), and highly isolated and lonely (class 4, 23%). The results of multivariate regression indicated that compared to respondents who were neither isolated nor lonely, those who were in the class of living alone and lonely and the class of highly isolated and lonely had more depressive symptoms, stress, anxiety, worry, loneliness during the pandemic. The latent class of no social participation and lonely was associated with more depressive symptoms and covid-related stress. This study emphasizes the importance of specialized intervention strategies targeting the unique needs of older adults with different experiences of social isolation and loneliness.

Experiences of Social Isolation Among People with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing disparities in social participation among people with disabilities. However, there is little evidence to describe the causes of these disparities and their impact on participation. Thus, there is little to guide intervention development and delivery in rehabilitation and community settings. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences with community participation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic among people with disabilities. <h3>Design</h3> Focus groups and community asset mapping were conducted. Focus groups explored experiences with social isolation and social participation, and ongoing challenges related to the pandemic. Community asset mapping identified community resources and supports that have promoted better community participation. Two investigators independently coded results, which were shared with participants and other members of the disability community for member checking at a Town Hall event. <h3>Setting</h3> N/A. <h3>Participants</h3> Seventeen participants with diverse disabilities were enrolled. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> N/A. <h3>Results</h3> Results suggest that people with disabilities have experienced significant social isolation throughout the pandemic, which is perceived to have worsened their physical and emotional health. Lack of equitable health care, attitudes of professionals and family members, lack of employment and volunteer opportunities, and lack of access to pre-pandemic social activities, services, and supports were identified as contributing to social isolation. Social supports, telework and telehealth options, virtual events, and online and social media platforms were identified as critical supports for community participation. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The results of this study can inform design of an intervention to improve community participation. Interventions should focus on accessing available community resources and supports, use of virtual and remote services and opportunities, and strengthening social support networks. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Long-term social restrictions and lack of work activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: impact on the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities

Purpose Lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic may have had a disproportionate impact on the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Many of them had to deal with limited social contacts for an extended period. This study explores in depth how people with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands experienced their daily lives, in particular due to lack of access to regular work activities. Materials and methods Eight participants with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed in conducting and analysing interviews. Results and conclusions Analysis yielded three overarching themes that are conceptually linked. Participants experienced a prolonged lack of social connections that resulted in experiences of social isolation and feelings of loneliness. This led to different kinds of struggles: either internal struggles involving negative thoughts or depressive feelings, or a perceived threat to their autonomous position in society. Meanwhile participants had to sustain their sense of self-worth in the absence of work activities. The findings emphasise the importance of social opportunities through the access to work activities for people with intellectual disabilities. Interventions are suggested to help reverse the increased social inequalities and enhance rehabilitation via work activities for people with intellectual disabilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABLITATION More awareness may be raised among authorities, employers and the general public about the significant value people with intellectual disabilities attribute to meaningful social connections, in particular through work activities. Also, more awareness may be raised about the potential adverse effects of the loss of work activities and social connections on the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities. Providing social support to others may help people with intellectual disabilities to construct social valued roles, either in or outside the work situation. Professionals and employers can support people with intellectual disabilities to find opportunities to provide social support to others. It is important to invest in sustainable and innovative post-pandemic community participation initiatives and particularly in accessible post-pandemic employment support, for example by organising paid in-company training placements. It is essential that professionals support people with intellectual disabilities to enhance their sources of resilience and coping strategies, that may have diminished as a result of the pandemic.

Virtual Management of Chronic Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights From Primary Care Providers and Clinical Pharmacists.

The abrupt change in care delivery caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may have left some patients, particularly those with chronic conditions, unable to receive timely and appropriate routine care. Understanding the effect of the pandemic and the switch to virtual care for patients with chronic conditions requires in-depth qualitative feedback from providers who care for these patients. We interviewed 13 primary care providers and clinical pharmacists from the Veterans Health Administration. Interviews elicited experiences managing patients with chronic conditions, specifically diabetes and hypertension, during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We employed a rapid analytic approach for data analysis. In general, interview participants maintained that most patients' chronic conditions could be managed remotely without significant disruption. However, patients who lack familiarity with technology and/or reliable broadband access, patients not compliant with recommended self-assessments, and older patients with hearing loss or cognitive disorders may be more difficult to manage virtually. Although providers reported minimal disruptions to care because of the pandemic, they did note that the closure of labs and experiences of social isolation may have negatively impacted patients. Providers suggested optimizing virtual management through more robust patient instruction on virtual care technology, increased use of Veterans Affairs home health services, and removing institutional barriers that may de-incentivize virtual care modalities. For many patients with chronic conditions, virtual care is a promising approach to provide ongoing management in primary care. However, more tailored strategies may be needed to care for sicker, more vulnerable patients.