Lower Levels Of Loneliness Research Articles

Relationship between qualitative and quantitative loneliness and suicidal ideation by occupational classification in the working-age population: a nationally-representative survey

BackgroundRising digitalization and individualism in the workplace after the COVID-19 pandemic have increased loneliness and related problems in the working-age population. The potential effects of various forms of loneliness on suicidal ideation may differ depending on employment status.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study based on a national survey of mental health in the general Korean population. We classified occupations as “employed,” “self-employed,” or “unemployed.” Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, which measures both qualitative and quantitative aspects of loneliness. Suicidal ideation was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.ResultsA total of 1770 participants aged 30–65 years (mean age: 47.7 years) were included. The mean loneliness score was 43.9 (SD = 10.4), and 28% of the participants experienced a high level of loneliness. The prevalence ratio for suicidal ideation in the group with high levels of loneliness was 3.06 (95% CI 2.57, 3.63) compared to the group with low levels of loneliness. In our subgroup analysis, we consistently observed an association between loneliness and suicidal ideation across the employed group; however, the employed was more related with qualitative loneliness, the self-employed and the unemployed were more related with quantitative loneliness.ConclusionsLoneliness was associated with suicidal ideation. According to employment status, the associations were consistent, but there were interactions between type of loneliness and employment status. These findings suggest that interventions to reduce loneliness and prevent suicidal ideation should be tailored to specific employment groups, focusing on qualitative aspects for employed individuals and quantitative aspects for self-employed and unemployed individuals.

The impact of loneliness and social relationship dissatisfaction on clinical and functional outcomes in Dutch mental health service users

The relationship between reduced social connectedness and mental health outcomes is increasingly acknowledged. Yet, relatively little is known about how two crucial subjective aspects of social disconnectedness - loneliness and social relationship dissatisfaction (SRD) - are related to clinical and functional recovery. This cohort study aimed to investigate the associations of loneliness and SRD with various mental health outcomes among 15,512 outpatients from a Dutch mental health service. Demographics and data on loneliness, SRD, symptomatic distress, suicidal ideation, and role functioning, as well as treatment duration, and mortality, were collected. The study analyzed the associations between these factors overall and by diagnostic group, gender, and age, using cross-sectional and longitudinal regression, while controlling for relevant covariates. Findings revealed significant, independent, associations between loneliness, SRD, symptomatic distress, and role functioning across different diagnostic groups. Particularly strong associations were noted in bipolar and psychosis-related disorders. Gender did not significantly influence the strength of associations. In older patients, lower levels of loneliness and SRD were observed, but the impact on clinical and functional outcomes was consistent across ages. Higher loneliness and SRD were associated with longer treatment durations, regardless of age, gender or diagnosis. This study indicates the wide-reaching effects of perceived social disconnectedness on recovery and emphasizes interventions targeting loneliness and SRD to enhance outcomes.

What Benefits Does Local Sports Club Membership Confer On Community-Dwelling Older People In Ireland?

Abstract Background There is a strong culture of sports club membership amongst older people in Ireland. It has been suggested that this confers health benefits due to increased physical activity and social connection, but studies examining this are currently lacking. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the relationship of sports club membership with markers of health and well-being in a large population-representative cohort of older people. Methods Over 3,500 participants ≥65 years at Wave 5 (mean 74 years, 54% female) of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing were included. Sports club membership (GAA, soccer, rugby, tennis, golf) was elicited by self-report. Depressive symptoms (Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), loneliness (UCLA Scale), and quality of life (Control Autonomy Self-Realization Please Scale) were assessed with internationally validated scales. Physical Activity was by self-report and mobility impairment was defined as Timed-Up-and-Go≥14s. The associations between sports club membership and these outcomes were assessed with regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, polypharmacy, chronic disease burden and heart disease. Results One fifth (708/3,510) of participants were a member of a local sports club. Sports club membership was associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms (Odds ratio 0.51 (95% CI 0.34,0.75)), lower levels of loneliness (Beta = -0.28 (95% CI -0.46, -0.10)) and better quality of life (Beta= 0.93 (95% CI 0.49,1.38)) in fully-adjusted models. Sports club members spent more days doing moderate physical activity per week (2.0 (95% CI 1.85,2.21) vs 1.64 (95% CI 1.54,1.73); p<0.001) and had lower likelihood of mobility impairment (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.49 (95% CI 0.36,0.68)). Conclusion Sports Club Membership is prevalent amongst community-dwelling older people in Ireland and is associated with lower rates of loneliness, depressive symptoms and mobility impairment, and better quality of life. Older sports club members should be encouraged to maintain this activity where feasible.

The impact of social participation on the quality of life among older adults in China: a chain mediation analysis of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of social participation on the quality of life (QOL) among older adults in China. Using convenience sampling, data were collected from 508 individuals aged 60 and above (M_age = 70.53 ± 7.90 years; 56.5% women). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSSAU software, including Pearson correlation analysis to assess relationships between social participation, psychological health indicators (loneliness, depression, and anxiety), and QOL. Multiple regression analysis and chain mediation analysis were subsequently performed to explore the mediating effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL. The results indicated significant correlations between social participation and loneliness (r = -0.313, p < 0.001), depression (r = -0.487, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = -0.305, p < 0.001), and QOL (r = 0.476, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis revealed significant chain mediation effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL (β = 0.006, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.001, 0.007]). Higher levels of social participation were associated with lower levels of loneliness, which in turn reduced depression and anxiety, thereby enhancing QOL. These findings highlight the importance of promoting social participation to improve psychological wellbeing and QOL among older adults in China. The study advocates for active social engagement and the provision of relevant services, as well as psychological support and emotional counseling for those facing mental health challenges due to insufficient social participation.

The association of material deprivation with major depressive disorder and the role of loneliness and social support: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundExisting research has highlighted the positive association of material deprivation, loneliness, and poor social support with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there is limited information on the complex interplay between these risk factors. In this study, we investigated (1) whether loneliness and social support moderate the relationship between material deprivation and MDD and (2) whether social support moderates the association between material deprivation and loneliness. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing responses from a representative sample of the Spanish adult population, comprising 2790 individuals who were interviewed between 2019 and 2021. The 12-month prevalence of MDD was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Loneliness was measured using the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, and social support was evaluated with the Oslo social support scale. Material deprivation was measured using an instrument developed by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE). Regression models were constructed to investigate moderating effects. ResultsAbout 25 % of participants experienced material deprivation and 2.8 % had MDD. Among those with lower levels of loneliness, the probability of MDD was almost 0.10 and no significant differences were found in relation to material deprivation. Conversely, differences depending on material deprivation ranged from 0.10 (95 % CI 0.03, 0.18) to 0.44 (95 % CI 0.24, 0.65) among those with higher levels of loneliness. Social support effectively moderated the association between material deprivation and loneliness. LimitationThe cross-sectional nature limits causal inferences. ConclusionSocial support has the potential to improve loneliness and mental health in individuals with economic difficulties.

The puzzle of loneliness: A sociostructural and transnational analysis of International Chinese Students' networks in Germany

AbstractThe experience of loneliness is common among international students who study in a foreign country, away from their home. Loneliness refers to the difference between the actual and desired social relationships highlighting not only the quantity but also the quality of relationships. We argue for a perspective on loneliness that emphasizes its social context rather than relying mainly on individualistic or psychological interpretations prevalent thus far. In this article, we explore network predictors of loneliness among Chinese international students in Germany. Through our analysis of a unique data set, we show that when compared to the local students, international students tend to feel lonelier. Surprisingly, when we discover that when international students have the same network size, those with more emotionally supportive ties tend to experience more loneliness compared to those with fewer emotionally supportive ties. Not surprisingly, having a romantic partner is associated with lower levels of loneliness, especially when they also live in the country of education. Additionally, we find that international Chinese students who struggle to form cross‐national friendships report higher levels of loneliness. By delving into these findings, our research offers a sociological account of loneliness among international Chinese and local students in Germany.

Loneliness dynamics and physical health symptomology among midlife adults in daily life.

The current study examined how average daily loneliness (between-persons [BPs]), intraindividual variability in loneliness across days (within-persons [WPs]), and loneliness stability informed physical health symptomatology. We utilized daily diary data from a national sample of 1,538 middle-aged adults (Mage = 51.02; 57.61% women) who completed eight end-of-day telephone interviews about daily experiences, including loneliness and physical health symptoms (e.g., headaches, nausea). Via multilevel modeling, we examined average daily loneliness (BPs), intraindividual variability in loneliness (WPs), stability in loneliness (individual mean-squared successive difference) in association with the number and average severity of daily physical health symptoms. When participants were less lonely on average, and on days when loneliness was lower than a person's average, they had fewer and less severe physical health symptoms. Additionally, participants who were more stable in loneliness across 8 days had less severe physical health symptoms. Further, there was a stronger association between instability in loneliness and more physical health symptoms for people who were lonelier on average. Finally, the increase in physical health symptom severity associated with WP loneliness was strongest for participants with low variability in loneliness. Loneliness is associated with physical health symptoms on a day-to-day basis, especially for people who are highly variable in loneliness. Considerations of multiple sources of variation in daily loneliness may be necessary to adequately address loneliness and promote health. Public health interventions addressing loneliness may be most effective if they support social connectedness in people's everyday lives in ways that promote stable, low levels of loneliness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Loneliness and Its Impact: An Overlooked Epidemic

Approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing measurable levels of loneliness.1 Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, irrespective of social contact, while social isolation is a lack of social connections. Therefore, social isolation may lead to loneliness for some, while others can feel lonely without being socially isolated. Both loneliness and social isolation are increasing exponentially. The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently declared loneliness and isolation as an underappreciated public health crisis, equating its impact on physical health to that of smoking 15 cigarettes per day.2 The primary method for measuring loneliness uses self-report surveys, where individuals evaluate their loneliness and social isolation by responding to statements about social interactions and emotions, indicating their agreement or frequency of these experiences. The UCLA Loneliness Scale is one of the most widely used tools which has 20 items, allowing individuals to subjectively assess their feelings on a scale from 1 to 4, covering aspects such as feeling excluded or having companionship. Scores ranging from 20 to 34 indicate a low level of loneliness, 35 to 49 indicate a moderate level, 50 to 64 reflect a moderately high level, and 65 to 80 indicate a high level of loneliness.3 Loneliness is inherently subjective, and individuals' perceptions of what constitutes loneliness can vary widely.

Loneliness as a predictor of mortality in cancer patients, a cohort study

Introduction. Some studies have indicated that loneliness may be associated with an increased risk of mortality in cancer patients, as it can weaken treatment response and the immune system, and promote harmful behaviors, worsening the prognosis and increasing the likelihood of death. Addressing loneliness in public health is essential to provide social support and improve outcomes in cancer patients. Objective. To obtain an estimator of the unwanted loneliness-mortality association. Materials and methods. We followed a prospective cohort of 400 patients for two years (exposure=loneliness levels; outcome=mortality; sociodemographic and clinical control variables were included). A parametric survival model (log normal) was used. Results. The cohort had a median survival of 20.2 months and a mortality rate of 3.2 deaths/100 patient-months (95% CI: 2.8 to 3.7). The survival model found the following time ratios (TR): moderate level/low level: TR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.77; moderately high level/low level: TR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.93; high level/low level: TR=1.17; 95% CI: 0.31 to 4.42. Conclusion. Compared to patients with low levels of loneliness, patients with moderate or moderately high levels reach death more quickly (statistically significant TRs, adjusted for the effect of other variables in the model); this highlights the need for interventions to mitigate loneliness and promote social support in patients having cancer.

Linking community participation and subjective well-being in Chinese residential communities: the mediating role of community identity and the moderating effect of loneliness

This study attempts to draw on self-determination theory and the community psychology perspective to elaborate on the mechanisms underlying the association between community participation and life satisfaction in urban residential communities. The present study examines the mediating role of community identity in the relationship between community participation and life satisfaction. Moreover, the current study investigated the moderating effect of loneliness on the mediation model. A total of 1,205 urban residents, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years, completed the Community Participation Scale, the Community Identity Scale, the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale for this study. The survey’s results suggest that community participation can be a positive predictor of community identity and life satisfaction. Moreover, the result of the mediation analysis demonstrates that the link between community participation and life satisfaction can be mediated by community identity. Furthermore, the moderated mediation model analysis indicates that loneliness moderated the link between community participation and community identity, as well as the link between community participation and life satisfaction. The mediating effect of community identity on the relationship between community participation and life satisfaction is stronger for residents with high levels of loneliness than for those with low levels of loneliness. These findings provide a comprehensive explanation for how community participation improves subjective well-being among urban residents in the context of a residential community.

Exploring the Relationship of Leisure Travel with Loneliness, Depression, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults.

Loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline are pressing concerns among older adults. This study examines the association between leisure travel participation and these health outcomes in older adults, aiming to provide further evidence of the benefits of leisure travel. Using nationally representative historical data from the 2006 household survey of the Health and Retirement Study, this study conducted a series of regression analyses to investigate the relationship between traveling and the three health outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, education, total wealth, annual income, and difficulty with daily activities. The results reveal that travel patterns in terms of distance are significantly associated with loneliness, depression, and cognitive function. Long-distance travel is positively related to higher cognitive function and a reduction in depressive symptoms, along with lower levels of loneliness, reinforcing the notion that leisure travel can potentially act as a catalyst for improved cognitive and mental health by offering opportunities for enhancing social connections and forming new relationships. The findings on the relationships between participation in leisure travel and mental and cognitive health contribute to the body of evidence supporting the therapeutic value of leisure travel in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the overall well-being in older adults.

The association between neighborhood social and built environment on loneliness among young adults with cancer.

Young adults with cancer (YAs, aged 18-39) are at increased risk of experiencing loneliness due to their unique challenges of coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment during young adulthood. Understanding factors that impact loneliness is critical to improving survivorship outcomes for this vulnerable YA population. Neighborhoods are key determinants of health. However, little is known about how such neighborhood characteristics are associated with loneliness among YA survivors. YA survivors (N = 181) drawn from the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program completed measures of neighborhood social environment (e.g., shared values), aspects of their neighborhood built environment (e.g., access to transit, recreational activities), and loneliness. Two total scores were calculated with higher scores reflecting higher neighborhood social cohesion and higher neighborhood walkability/bikeability (i.e., built environment). Hierarchical linear regression examined associations between the social and built environment on loneliness. Higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion (β = - 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = - 0.44, - 0.11) and neighborhood walkability/bikeability (β = - 0.15, 95% CI = - 0.31, - 0.006) were significantly associated with lower levels of loneliness. Findings suggest that living within a cohesive social environment with neighborhood walkability/bikeability to built environment amenities such as green space, grocery stores, and public transportation is protective against loneliness among YA survivors. More longitudinal research is necessary to understand the dynamic changes in loneliness among YA survivors living in diverse social and built environments. YA survivors may benefit from cultivating neighbor relationships and living within neighborhoods with walkability/bikeability.

Association between participation in adult education and subjective wellbeing among older adults: the mediating roles of social isolation and digital isolation and the moderating roles of educational level

ABSTRACT Participation in adult education is a crucial component of the active aging framework. However, there have been limited studies exploring the association between participation in adult education and subjective wellbeing among older adults. Furthermore, the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms in this association have not been extensively investigated. This study aims to explore the mediating roles of physical and digital isolation, as well as the moderating roles of educational level. A sample of 7,602 older adults (M = 70.97, SD = 7.13) was drawn from the 2018 wave of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the mediating and moderating roles. The results revealed that participation in adult education is positively associated with higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of loneliness among older adults. Both physical isolation and digital isolation play mediating roles in these associations. Moreover, educational level moderates the association between participation in adult education and older adults’ life satisfaction and loneliness. The linkages are significant for older adults with lower levels of education, but not significant for those with higher levels of education. These findings contribute to current knowledge and offer practical implications for improving older adults’ subjective wellbeing through participation in adult education.

Sexual Minorities and Loneliness: Exploring Sexuality through Social Media and Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Supports.

We examined online and offline social supports for sexual minority adolescents, underscoring the understudied developmental period of early adolescence and the mental outcome of loneliness. Stemming from a larger study in the northeast U.S., 967 youth participants were 26% sexual minority, 53% female, 45% male, and 2% other/nonbinary (mean age = 13.1, SD = 1.52). LGBTQ+ youth reported significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to their heterosexual counterparts. To understand potential sources of social support while exploring their sexual identities, we compared the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth at both ends of the loneliness spectrum. Gaining knowledge about their sexual orientation from LGBTQ+ organization websites, participating in gender-sexuality alliances, and using TikTok or Instagram were associated with lower levels of loneliness. Providing social support to online friends was associated with lower loneliness; however, receiving online support was not associated with lower loneliness. Furthermore, proactive social media engagement such as posting uplifting content, joining online communities, or raising awareness about social issues were associated with lower levels of loneliness. The results provide guidance on specific youth behaviors and online communities beyond a focus on screen time while highlighting the continued need for social support to ameliorate loneliness, such as gender-sexuality alliance networks.

Exploring the relationship between loneliness and volunteering amongst Australian adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlleviating loneliness and fostering social connections and a sense of belonging are essential for individuals’ well-being in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering has emerged as a potential strategy to prevent or alleviate loneliness among adults. To gain insights into factors that can reduce or protect against loneliness, it is important to consider multi-dimensional measures of loneliness and motivations to volunteer. This study aimed to understand which variables predict Australian volunteers’ social, family, and romantic loneliness.MethodsFrom October 2021 to January 2022, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to a sample of Australian adults with volunteering experience. The survey collected demographic information and used validated measures to assess social, family, and romantic loneliness and volunteer motivation. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the association between loneliness and motivations for volunteering.ResultsOf the 1723 individuals who accessed the survey link, 160 participants completed the survey. The average age of respondents was 59.87 years (SD 12.3). The majority were female (77.5%), married or partnered (70.6%), and had ten or more years of volunteering experience (62.1%). Overall, participants reported low to moderate levels of loneliness across social (M = 12.1; SD = 5.3), family (M = 11.3; SD = 6.7), and romantic (M = 14.8; SD = 8.3) dimensions. Social motivation for volunteering was negatively associated with social and romantic loneliness, while enhancement and protective motivations were positively associated with family and romantic loneliness. Age and rurality were not significantly associated with any dimension of loneliness.ConclusionsLoneliness is a multifaceted and intricate experience that impacts individuals socially and emotionally. This study’s findings confirmed that having protective and enhancement motives to volunteer was associated with increased loneliness. Social motives to volunteer were associated with a tendency to have lower levels of loneliness, possibly due to the positive impact of building and maintaining social relationships through volunteering. Understanding these associations is necessary to ensure that volunteering activities align with each person’s unique needs and motivations.

Associations Among Family Caregivers' Perceptions of Loneliness, Choice, and Purpose: a Comparative Analysis Between Non-Hispanic Black Caregivers and Non-Hispanic White Caregivers in a Population-Based Sample.

Loneliness is a frequent experience among family members engaging in caregiving responsibilities and may vary across racial and ethnic groups. This study aimed to examine (a) the difference in loneliness between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White caregivers, (b) the associations between loneliness and perceptions of choice and purpose in caregiving, and (c) whether those associations with loneliness differ by caregivers' race. Descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression were conducted in a population-based sample of 1000 caregivers (Black caregivers, n = 199; White caregivers, n = 801) from the 2020 Caregiving in the U.S. The survey design was properly addressed. Key variables included loneliness (level of feeling alone about being a caregiver), choice (whether or not reporting a choice in taking on the caregiver responsibility), sense of purpose (level of purpose/meaning in life from caregiving), and race (Black/White). Models adjusted for caregiving characteristics (e.g., hour of caregiving) and sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age and education). Black caregivers had lower odds of reporting a higher level vs. a lower level of loneliness than White caregivers (aOR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.47, 0.96). Reporting having no choice was associated with higher odds of a higher level of loneliness (aOR, 0.77, 95%CI = 0.67, 0.88). Higher sense of purpose scores were associated with lower odds of a higher level of loneliness (aOR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.71, 0.93). No significant moderation effects of race were found. Black caregivers reported lower loneliness scores than White caregivers. Reporting no choice and lower sense of purpose were associated with higher loneliness in both racial groups.

Moderators of Loneliness Trajectories in People with Systemic Sclerosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A SPIN COVID-19 Cohort Longitudinal Study.

Many individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at heightened risk for COVID-19 related morbidity and isolation due to interstitial lung disease, frailty, and immunosuppressant use. Minimal research has explored loneliness predictors in individuals with chronic illnesses during COVID-19. This study evaluated moderators of loneliness trajectories in individuals with SSc during COVID-19. Longitudinal data were analyzed across 30 timepoints from April 2020 to May 2022 from 775 adults in the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) COVID-19 Cohort. Hierarchical linear modeling evaluated cross-level moderators of loneliness trajectories, including marital status, baseline number of household members, number of virtual or telephone one-on-one or virtual group conversations, number of hours spent enjoying in-person household conversations or activities, and satisfaction with quality of in-person household conversations (all in the past week). Level-1 moderation analyses assessed effects of conversation, activity, and satisfaction means and slopes over time. Baseline values were not statistically significant moderators of loneliness trajectories. Higher mean (averaged over time) virtual or telephone one-on-one and in-person household conversations, in-person household activity, and in-person household conversation satisfaction were associated with lower loneliness trajectories (ps < .05). The relationship between in-person household conversation satisfaction and loneliness trajectory was statistically significantly but minimally attenuated over time (p < .001). For people with SSc, higher mean conversation, activity, and satisfaction variables were associated with lower levels of loneliness during the pandemic, but changes in these social variables were generally not predictive of changes in loneliness.

HIV knowledge, self-perception of HIV risk, and sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor migrants who inject drugs in Moscow

BackgroundThe interplay of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and self-perception of risk for HIV among people who inject drugs is complex and understudied, especially among temporary migrant workers who inject drugs (MWID) while in a host country. In Russia, Tajik migrants make up the largest proportion of Moscow’s foreign labor. Yet, HIV knowledge and self-perceived risk in association with sexual risk behavior among male Tajik MWID in Moscow remains unknown.ObjectiveThis research examines knowledge about HIV transmission, self-perception of HIV risk, and key psychosocial factors that possibly contribute to sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor MWID living in Moscow.MethodsStructured interviews were conducted with 420 male Tajik labor MWID. Modified Poisson regression models investigated possible associations between major risk factors and HIV sexual risk behavior.ResultsOf the 420 MWID, 255 men (61%) reported sexual activity in the last 30 days. Level of HIV knowledge was not associated in either direction with condom use or risky sexual partnering, as measured by sex with multiple partners or female sex workers (FSW). Lower self-perceived HIV risk was associated with a greater likelihood of sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.40) and FSW (aPR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.59), but was not associated with condom use. Police-enacted stigma was associated with sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.49) and FSW (aPR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.54). While depression and lower levels of loneliness were associated with condomless sex (aPR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.24; aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.92, respectively), only depression was associated with condomless sex with FSW (aPR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.54).ConclusionsHIV prevention programing for male Tajik MWID must go beyond solely educating about factors associated with HIV transmission to include increased awareness of personal risk based on engaging in these behaviors. Additionally, psychological services to counter depression and police-enacted stigma are needed.

The Migrant-Local Difference in the Relationship Between Social Support, Sleep Disturbance, and Loneliness Among Older Adults in China: Cross-Sectional Study.

Driven by the accelerated aging of the population of China, the number of older adults has increased rapidly in the country. Meanwhile, following children, migrant older adults (MOA) have emerged as a vulnerable group in the process of fast urbanization. Existed studies have illustrated the association between social support and loneliness and the relationship between sleep disturbance and loneliness; however, the underlying mechanisms and the migrant-local difference in the association between social support, sleep disturbance, and loneliness have not been identified. This study aimed to clarify the migrant-local difference in the relationship between social support, sleep disturbance, and loneliness in older adults in China. Multistage cluster random sampling was used to select participants: 1205 older adults (n=613, 50.9%, MOA and n=592, 49.1%, local older adults [LOA]) were selected in Weifang City, China, in August 2021. Loneliness was assessed with the 6-item short-form University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, social support was evaluated with the Social Support Rating Scale, and sleep disturbance was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The chi-square test, t test, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were adopted to explore the migrant-local difference between social support, sleep disturbance, and loneliness among the MOA and LOA. The mean score of loneliness was 8.58 (SD 3.03) for the MOA and 8.00 (SD 2.79) for the LOA. SEM analysis showed that social support exerts a direct negative effect on both sleep disturbance (standardized coefficient=-0.24 in the MOA and -0.20 in the LOA) and loneliness (standardized coefficient=-0.44 in the MOA and -0.40 in the LOA), while sleep disturbance generates a direct positive effect on loneliness (standardized coefficient=0.13 in the MOA and 0.22 in the LOA). Both MOA and LOA have a low level of loneliness, but the MOA show higher loneliness than the LOA. There is a negative correlation between social support and loneliness as well as between social support and sleep disturbance among the MOA and LOA (MOA>LOA), while loneliness is positively associated with sleep disturbance in both populations (MOA<LOA). Measures should be taken by the government, society, and families to increase social support, decrease sleep disturbance, and further reduce the loneliness among older adults, especially the MOA.

Empty Nest Syndrome: Loneliness and Social Support among Middle-aged Parents

This study explored the dynamics of empty nest syndrome and its relationships with middle-aged parents' feelings of loneliness and the need for social support. As the Philippines was known for having this kind of family values, this study explored the different psychological impacts on Filipino parents when their child or children moved out of their nest. This study also aimed to provide a more thorough knowledge of how individuals navigated this transition, which could ultimately direct the creation of solutions to support middle-aged parents in thriving as they got used to the "empty nest" stage. This study utilized the explanatory-sequential mixed method design. Middle-aged parents (40-64 years old) living in specific municipalities of Laguna were the respondents/participants of the study. The sampling method used was convenience and purposeful homogenous sampling, and G*Power was used to compute the suggested sample size. 74 respondents were gathered for the quantitative phase, and 5 participants for the qualitative phase. Two adopted tests were used for quantitative data gathering, and a researcher-made interview guide was used for the qualitative phase. Statistical tools used were frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean, and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient or Spearman rho. Thematic analysis was also used in the qualitative aspect of the study. Results showed that middle-aged parents experiencing empty nest syndrome had a low level of loneliness (mean score 1.96) and received high social support (mean score 5.76). A significant negative correlation (r = -0.680, p &lt; 0.001) existed between social support and loneliness, indicating that increased social support reduced loneliness. The lived experiences of these parents revealed themes such as sadness, coping strategies like social media and spiritual interventions, emotional support from friends, adaptation to social changes, maintaining relationships, and adjusting to new parental roles.