Negative Health Effects Research Articles

EAP and ECPCP urge ban on novel nicotine- (NNCPS) and non-nicotine-containing products (NNDS) to youth.

We want to verify the correlation between the increasing use of novel nicotine-containing products (NNCPs) and non-nicotine delivery products (NNDPs) among young individuals and the escalating negative health consequences, necessitating their prohibition. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant literature about the utilisation of NNCPs and NNDPs among young individuals and their health effects. Despite being initially seen as less harmful alternatives, for smokers aiming to quit, these products have become more popular due to misleading marketing claims. Teenagers using NNCPs and NNDPs, despite having no smoking history, are more likely to transition to tobacco smoking. Consistent use can lead to health issues like pulmonary damage, asthma, and cardiovascular and ocular problems. The EAP and the ECPCP endorse the WHO's appeal to outlaw these hazardous products. They urge European governments to forbid the sale of NNCPs and NNDPs to children and adolescents in order to safeguard their well-being. They also propose specific recommendations (box4) to support this cause.

Overcoming Challenges to Adopting Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Policies in a Large U.S. Metropolitan Area: Insights and Recommendations From Affected Groups in 20 Los Angeles County Cities.

Community members and non-academic partners ("affected groups") were asked to identify factors that can influence public support, impede adoption, and mitigate challenges related to adopting local smoke-free multi-unit housing policies. A series of key informant interviews were conducted with affected groups from a large U.S. metropolitan area. 20 cities in Los Angeles County without a smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinance. Interviewees were recruited from affected groups with knowledge about their community's civic and political landscape (n = 63). Data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify, code and compare themes. Most interviewees indicated civic groups, those who do not smoke, and/or groups who are educated about the negative health effects of secondhand smoke exposure would be more likely to support smoke-free multi-unit housing policies. Interviewees reported several challenges to policy adoption, including competing city priorities, public disengagement, and the cost and social burden of enforcing these ordinances. To overcome them, interviewees recommended working synergistically with local governments to build diverse coalitions, educate the public, and develop clear enforcement plans. Insights and recommendations from affected groups in 20 U.S. cities suggest that communicating with the public and priming impacted communities to support smoke-free multi-unit housing policies are promising interventions for protecting at-risk families from secondhand smoke exposure in their homes.

Main challenges and measures taken by public health institutions in response to war in Kyiv Region

Abstract Background The establishment of martial law due to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine led to specific adjustments in the functioning of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (СDС). The negative impact of hostilities is determined by the increased morbidity rate of communicable and non-communicable diseases, insufficient supply of safe drinking water and food to damaged sites, inadequate living conditions, etc. Objectives The purpose of the work was to create an effective system for responding to biological, chemical and radiation hazards and eliminating the consequences of an emergency situation in the realities of martial law. Methods We used the most common methods, namely descriptive, statistical, microbiological and сhemical laboratory tests. Results The activities of the CDC under martial law include daily monitoring studies of environmental objects. The epidemic situation of acute intestinal infection (AII) and other communicable diseases (CD) is constantly analyzed. The Kyiv Oblast CDC became the basic institution for the implementation of the ‘pilot project’ in the direction of sanitary and epidemic assessment and monitoring of environmetal objects in 188 de-occupied areas. The main public health risks were identified: providing the population with high-quality drinking water; low immunization rate of the population; sites for the location of internally displaced persons; natural foci of especially dangerous diseases, such as tularemia, leptospirosis, infection fevers, etc. In 2022, the overall level of CD in the Kyiv region decreased by 44.0% from 2021. The most common nosologies were acute respiratory viral infections and influenza (98.9%), AII (42.4%), tuberculosis (15.3%), Lyme disease (15.3%), and viral hepatitis (14.2%). Conclusions Based on the research conducted, mechanisms have been developed for responding to hazards of various origins by public health institutions, including risk assessmant and laboratory studies. Key messages • The main focus of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention is aimed at effective response to hazards of various origins in order to ensure public health under martial law. • Risk assessment in de-occupied territories has become an important tool for identifying correct approaches to prevent negative consequences for public health.

Abortion and Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Contemporary Review of the Literature.

This review discusses the importance of abortion care and access for mental wellbeing for people seeking abortion, abortion providers, and trainees. The recent Dobbs v. Jackson case has jeopardized the physical and mental health of millions. Much of the data regarding mental health impacts of abortion access comes from the Turnaway Study. This study supports that abortion does not cause negative mental health effects and being denied abortion is detrimental to mental health, physical health, and has negative socioeconomic impacts. Other recent studies support that the Dobbs decision continues to disproportionately harm historically marginalized groups. Additionally, there is more anxiety and depression reported in states with abortion restrictions. Many obstetrician gynecologists are moving away from restricted states and report moral distress due to restrictions. Many medical students are choosing not to apply to obstetrics and gynecology residency programs in states with abortion restrictions. Access to abortion care is important for mental and physical health, and socioeconomic well-being for people seeking abortion. Restrictive bans negatively affect people seeking abortion, as well as healthcare providers and trainees.

Large scale OECD health valuation study to estimate the economic benefits of chemical regulation

Abstract Chemical regulation aims at protecting human health and the environment from the risks of chemicals, while recognizing the economic importance of the use of chemicals. Assessment of the societal impacts of chemical regulation and different policy options requires information on both costs and benefits. So far, regulators assessing chemicals regulations has not had access to high quality and internationally comparable data on the full monetary benefit of reducing health and environmental risk. The OECD has implemented a multi-country stated preference valuation project that covers ten chemicals-related health conditions (e.g. asthma, kidney disease, infertility, etc.) with more than 80 surveys with large samples in 22 countries. The OECD Surveys on Willingness-to-Pay to Avoid Negative Chemicals-Related Health Impacts (SWACHE) project aims to establish internationally comparable values for the willingness-to-pay (WTP) to avoid negative health effects due to exposure to chemicals. The values can be used to demonstrate and measure the economic benefits of minimising the morbidity impacts of chemical regulations, environmental policies and public policies in general. The latest valuation results of the project will be presented, along with key aspects of the joint methodology used and the plans to further expand this work. In addition, the OECD is collaborating with other intergovernmental organisations via the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) to update the cost of inaction estimates for chemicals as part of the Global Framework on Chemicals. An update on this initiative, that can benefit from the results of the SWACHE project, will be provided.

A matter of measurement? Segregation and all-cause mortality in Sweden’s three metropolitan regions

Abstract Background Residential segregation can be operationalized and measured in many ways, along distinct dimensions. There are multiple mechanisms through which segregation and health mutually affect each other. Consequently, contextual health effects of segregation may vary depending on how segregation is measured. Methods We used longitudinal Swedish register data to compare associations between local measures of residential segregation (migrant density, migrant isolation, and the mutual information index) and all-cause mortality among the adult migrant and native-born populations in Sweden’s three largest metropolitan regions between 2004-2016. Results Among migrants, modest positive mortality gradients were observed across measures of migrant density and isolation, where a higher level of segregation was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality (Q5 RR ranged from 1.08-1.20 across cities and measures). However, these effects were largely attenuated by individual-level socioeconomic factors, and reversed when further controlling for neighborhood economic deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 0.74-0.87). Among the native-born, a positive gradient for mortality was found (Q5 RR ranged from 1.31-1.45), although this was reduced when accounting for neighborhood deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 1.01 -1.11). For both migrants and the native-born, the mutual information index showed no clear association with mortality, although a mortality advantage is observed for migrants in the most segregated areas after individual and neighborhood level adjustments (Q5 RR ranged from 0.73-0.86). Conclusions Our findings show that the manner in which residential segregation is conceptualized and operationalized alters associations with health. However, individual and other contextual level confounders are important determinants which influences the patterns. Much of the negative health effects of residential segregation can be perceived through the lack of economic opportunities. Key messages • Associations between segregation and all-cause mortality depends on how segregation is conceptualized and measured. • The mortality disadvantage observed in local areas with high migrant density may be attributed to the lack of economic opportunities in the neighborhood.

Adsorption Studies of Ternary Metal Ions (Cs+, Sr2+, and Co2+) from Water Using Zeolite@Magnetic Nanoparticles (Z@Fe3O4 NPs)

The mixture of three metal ions (Cs+, Sr2+, and Co2+) is commonly found in radioactive waste, which induces several negative health effects. The removal of multiple metal ions is a true challenge for researchers due to the competitive adsorption of ions onto adsorbents. In this study, three metal ions, namely Cs+, Sr2+, and Co2+, have been successfully removed simultaneously from water using zeolite@magnetic nanoparticles (Z@Fe3O4 NPs). The optimized condition for the adsorption of ternary metal ions was obtained at an adsorbent weight of 0.2, pH of 6.0~7.0, and contact time of 60 min. The adsorption mechanism of ternary metal ions onto the surface of Z@Fe3O4 NPs was studied using the Pseudo-first-order, Pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and Intra-particle diffusion models. The Dubinin–Radushkevich Temkin, Freundlich, and Langmuir isotherm models were used to study the isotherm adsorption. The ternary metal ion adsorption (Cs+, Sr2+, and Co2+) on Z@Fe3O4 NPs was followed by the Pseudo-second-order model (PSO) with correlation coefficient (R2) range of 0.9826–0.9997. Meanwhile, the adsorption isotherms of ternary metal ions on Z@Fe3O4 NPs were in line with the Langmuir model with R2 values higher than 0.9206, suggesting monolayer chemisorption with maximum adsorption capacities of 48.31, 15.02, and 10.41 mg/g for Cs+, Sr2+, and Co2+, respectively. Thus, the selectivity trend in the ternary metal ions system towards the Z@Fe3O4 NPs is observed to be Cs+ > Sr2+ > Co2+, which indicates that the competitive effect of Cs+ is the strongest compared to Sr2+ and Co2+ions.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Mold Remediation Following Hurricane Ida in Southeast Louisiana

Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in southern Louisiana in August of 2021, causing widespread wind damage and flooding. The objective of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to post-hurricane mold exposure and cleanup among residents and workers in areas of Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ida and assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices that have occurred over the past 16 years since Hurricane Katrina. We conducted in-person interviews with 238 residents and 68 mold-remediation workers in areas in and around New Orleans to ask about their mold cleanup knowledge and practices, personal protective equipment use, and risk perceptions related to mold. Knowledge of recommended safety measures increased since the post-Katrina survey but adherence to recommended safety measures did not. Many residents and some workers reported using insufficient personal protective equipment when cleaning up mold despite awareness of the potential negative health effects of mold exposure.

Negative health impacts of navigating the healthcare system for musculoskeletal conditions: A scoping review protocol.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, particularly shoulders, knees, and the low back issues, place a significant burden on individuals, society, and healthcare systems. There is a lack of attention to negative health effects impacting patients because of their interactions to access appropriate diagnostics, assessments, and treatments. This scoping review intends to search and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on the negative health impacts associated with navigating the healthcare system for MSK care. A scoping review will be conducted following the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews and Arksey and O'Malley's 5-step process. Six databases will be searched with no time or geographic limits. Included articles must meet all the following criteria: 1) the patients must be adults, 2) patients must be seeking care for their knee, low-back, or shoulder condition, 3) interacted with the healthcare system, and 4) experienced health impacts due to navigating the healthcare system. Information from each article will be charted in a pre-determined extraction. This protocol aims to share our methods ahead of analysis to increase rigour and transparency. The scoping review results will better elucidate the health impacts of the inaccessibility of high-quality care for MSK conditions. The findings also aim to inform the development of patient-centered outcomes to evaluate alterations to the current MSK pathways.

Statistical Mapping of PFOA and PFOS in Groundwater throughout the Contiguous United States.

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are increasingly being detected in groundwater. The negative health consequences associated with human exposure to PFAS make it essential to quantify the distribution of PFAS in groundwater systems. Mapping PFAS distributions is particularly challenging because a national patchwork of testing and reporting requirements has resulted in sparse and spatially biased data. In this analysis, an inhomogeneous Poisson process (IPP) modeling approach is adopted from ecological statistics to continuously map PFAS distributions in groundwater across the contiguous United States. The model is trained on a unique data set of 8910 PFAS groundwater measurements, using combined concentrations of two PFAS analytes. The IPP model predictions are compared with results from random forest models to highlight the robustness of this statistical modeling approach on sparse data sets. This analysis provides a new approach to not only map PFAS contamination in groundwater but also prioritize future sampling efforts.

Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting - impact on body weight and various diseases

Introduction and purpose: Obesity affects every age group and is associated with many negative health effects. Various diets are used to remove excess body weight. Recently, popular became two diets - intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet. Material and Method: This paper reviews various types of research documents published since 2018. Its main aim is to summarize the latest knowledge of ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, including contraindications, side effects, impact on body weight and many diseases. It is also aimed to highlight the need for future research of the effects of both diets on various diseases and body weight reduction. Results: Both diets may be effective in weight loss and show other health benefits. Both ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting have proven to be effective in weight reduction. In the case of intermittent fasting the biggest impact on weight loss is calorie restriction. Ketogenic diet is effective as a result of calorie restriction, increased gluconeogenesis and loss of free water through increased diuresis. They can be used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders or potentially cancer. However, they cannot be administered by everyone and may cause dangerous side effects. Conclusion: Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting are successful strategies for body weight reduction. Moreover, both of them may be used as an additional therapy for various diseases. However, patients should be under supervision.

A Scoping Review of the Respiratory Effects of Red Tide in Humans.

Algal blooms of Karenia brevis produce brevetoxins that lead to the natural phenomenon of red tide. Beyond monitoring the red tide concentration and forecasting future outbreaks, uncertainty exists in the field when examining these toxins in relation to physiologic aspect of humans. Contaminated air that results from outbreaks of K. brevis leads to inhalation of aerosolized brevetoxins, which directly impact the human respiratory system. This scoping review focused on the respiratory effects of red tide and was conducted by using a comparative method between 2 researchers. Relevant abstracts were collected, and full-text articles were reviewed by using PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL Complete, and BioMed Central databases. Thirty articles were included in the final analysis and categorized by study design, location, and number and age of participants, and were also divided into assessment by respiratory effects, exposure, measurements of K. brevis, and asthma. The research indicates that respiratory health issues exist and can be compounded with exposure to red tide, specifically upper respiratory symptoms. Both symptomatic issues and pulmonary function tests were of concern when individuals were subjected to brevetoxin exposure. Even low levels of K. brevis resulted in negative respiratory health effects. Red tide is common in many areas of the world. The toxins released can cause adverse respiratory effects in humans. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the scholarly literature focused on the respiratory system and red tide produced by K. brevis.

Issue of recreational use of sildenafil

Introduction and purposeErectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Sildenafil is one of the most popular medications used to treat ED, but in recent years, there has been a growing trend of recreational use of this drug, particularly among younger individuals, which can lead to numerous negative health consequences. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the recreational use of sildenafil, especially among younger individuals.State of knowledgeSildenafil primarily affects the smooth muscle of the blood vessels in the corpora cavernosa, facilitating the achievement and maintenance of an erection. The most common side effects of sildenafil include headaches, dizziness, facial flushing, nausea, muscle pain, and nasal congestion. A relatively rare but potentially severe side effect of sildenafil is priapism. It is noted that those using sildenafil recreationally often have multiple sexual partners, as the drug helps them prolong sexual encounters. Studies show that sildenafil is used by groups that should have no problem achieving sexual satisfaction. The use of the drug in combination with alcohol and other substances is noticeable.ConclusionsRecreational use of sildenafil appears to be an increasingly common behavior among young men who do not have difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection. There are no studies yet that specifically examine the recreational use of sildenafil among women. It is necessary to conduct further research to better understand the prevalence of this phenomenon and to identify the factors that predispose individuals to engage in recreational use of sildenafil.

Rapid and eco-friendly microextraction procedure based on green hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for simultaneous determination of five sex hormones from cosmetic samples

Hormones, which are among the endocrine disruptors, are used in many fields and their use in cosmetic products has recently attracted considerable attention. Despite the negative health consequences, there is no detailed guidance that limits the use of these endocrine disruptors. This study aimed to develop a green hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (HDES)-based microextraction method for the detection and quantification of sex hormones (progesterone, β-estradiol, estrone, ethinylestradiol, and testosterone) in different cosmetic products. The best value for extraction recovery was obtained by using DL-menthol and dodecanoic acid as green HDES in a 4:1 mole ratio. Optimization parameters such as HDES volume, pH, sample volume, centrifugation time, mixing type, and mixing time were investigated for cosmetic samples to be used as real samples. Furthermore, the extraction recovery values ranged from 85.7 % to 101.3 % and the detection limit was between 2.33–3.30 ng mL−1. Additionally, three different greenness methods, namely ComplexGAPI, AGREEprep, and BAGI, were used to evaluate how green the proposed method is in this study. The microextraction procedure developed in this study was successfully applied to five different cosmetic samples that will be used as real samples to detect and determine sex hormones.

Bleaching Agents: A Review of Their Utilization and Management

Exposure to disinfectants, cleansers, and bleaching chemicals irritates the eyes, respiratory systems, and skin, triggering asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Bleach, as the major constituent of cleansers, when used improperly or mixed with other indoor cleaning agents, produces harmful halogenated volatile organic compounds. This manuscript assesses the influence of excessive exposure to disinfectants, including bleaching agents, when used against infectious conditions related to SARS-COVID-19 and its management. The use and impact of different bleaching agents in cleansing and their associated problems have been analyzed and presented in this review. This analysis focuses on the conventional and post-pandemic approach towards bleaches. Usage of bleaching agents increased by a staggering 20.4% and 16.4% from January to March 2020 compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Mounting use of bleaching agents during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in negative health effects like asthma, eye irritation, and skin allergies. An approximately 42% rise in poisoning cases, including a few deaths, has been associated with exposure to harmful chemicals involving bleaches during the recent pandemic. Bleaching agents are the primary sources of hazardous indoor pollutants; therefore, despite their importance in disinfection, their utility must be substantiated based on legal guidelines, disposal, and remedial measures. Thus, conducting future occupational exposure assessment studies for bleach hazard management is crucial.

"It Isn't What I Had to Do, It's What I Get to Do": The Experiences of Black Family Caregivers Managing Dementia.

Black family caregivers of persons with dementia experience high levels of stress that can negatively affect caregiver health outcomes and reduce caregiving capacity. However, Black caregivers tend to report low levels depressive symptoms or other negative health effects. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to identify factors that contribute to resilience among Black family caregivers. Using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique to complete thematic analysis, a team of five coders examined transcript data from three focus groups of Black current and former family caregivers (n = 17) of persons with dementia. We identified three primary factors that contributed to caregiver resilience including access to supportive environments, adaptability, and planning skills. Caregiver resistance to reporting depressive symptoms may be attributed to the strong Black woman schema. Findings from this study may be used to develop future culturally responsive interventions that support caregivers and promote family health.

The Effect of PM10 Pollutant Levels on the Postneonatal Mortality Rate: Application of the AirQ+ Model in Istanbul, Türkiye

Background: Air pollution is one of the major environmental risk factors for health. Children are vulnerable to the negative health consequences of air pollution. We aimed to determine the effect of PM10 levels on postneonatal mortality in Istanbul, the most populous city in Türkiye. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the relationship between PM10 levels and postneonatal deaths occurring in Istanbul, Türkiye in 2015-2019 was examined. PM10 levels for Istanbul were calculated by taking the average of daily PM10 measurements between 01.01.2015 and 31.12.2019, made available from Istanbul Air Quality Monitoring Stations. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and AIRQ+ 2.2.3 software. Results: If the PM10 value in Istanbul province had been reduced to 20 μg/m3, the limit value recommended by the WHO; in 2019; 36(19-61) postneonatal infant deaths could have been prevented; 7.73% (3.98-12.95) of postneonatal infant deaths were attributed to PM10. During this period, the PM10 value in Istanbul was above the limit value recommended by WHO, the European Union and Turkish legislation. Conclusion: Infant mortality due to air pollution is an important public health problem.

Unwanted Online Sexual Solicitation Among Young People in a Swedish Psychiatric Sample: Occurrence and Associations with Depression and Anxiety

ABSTRACT Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is a ubiquitous societal problem with negative health consequences. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric (CAP) patients are burdened with more violence exposure than other groups, but more work is needed to chart their exposure to TFSV specifically and to understand how it relates to their mental health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of unwanted online sexual solicitation (UOSS) in a young Swedish psychiatric sample. We also aimed to measure the associations between psychiatric symptoms and exposure to UOSS, offline sexual harassment, cyberbullying, and offline bullying. We also aimed to analyze possible differences between boys and girls. Our results show a high occurrence of UOSS (48.61%), which is higher than in the general population. UOSS was significantly higher among girls (57.31%) than boys (20.59%), but boys in the CAP group were burdened with more UOSS victimization than boys in general. Co-occurrence of UOSS with other types of offline and online harassment was substantial. UOSS, together with age and offline sexual harassment, predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms among both girls and boys. UOSS also showed a significant interaction effect with gender, suggesting that boys exposed to UOSS suffer higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than girls exposed to UOSS. Preventing and treating mental health difficulties needs to consider contextual circumstances such as exposure to sexual violence online.

Multiple relocation cases in disaster-related deaths after the Fukushima nuclear accident

IntroductionRelocation after a disaster often has negative health effects on vulnerable people, particularly older adults. However, little is known about the number of repeated evacuations and relocations after disasters among those experienced disaster-related deaths. This case series aimed to summarize the secondary problems and mortality risks in patients involved in relocation after disasters.MethodsWe analyzed and summarized the data on 520 disaster-related deaths in Minamisoma City, a municipality near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, focusing on the number of relocations. Herein, we describe the cases of three individuals over 80 years old, who died after eight or more relocations, which were certified as disaster-related deaths.ResultsWe discuss following three cases, which are (1) a female patient in her 90s who had a stroke and was completely disabled, (2) a female patient in her 80s whose cancer was detected later due to her failing to see her family doctor, and (3) a male patient in his 80s whose regular postoperative treatment was disrupted following cancer recurrence.DiscussionOur findings indicate that evacuation led to the worsening of chronic diseases and eventually to post-disaster death. Prolonged wide-area evacuation and repeated relocation likely interrupted the continuum of care and led to the failure of adequate care provision. To reduce the loss of human life, it is necessary to review the number of wide-area evacuations and relocations over the medium to long term after large-scale disasters, including nuclear disasters, which may occur in the future. Simultaneously, it is important to establish a medical system at the evacuation site so that disaster victims can continue to receive medical care even after evacuation or relocation.

Loneliness Trajectories in U.S. Military Veterans: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study of Risk and Protective Factors.

Loneliness is a significant public health concern associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes in older adults. This study examined the nature and correlates of predominant loneliness trajectories in a nationally representative sample of older U.S. military veterans. Participants included 2,441 veterans (mean age = 63, 8% female, 80% white) from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a 3-year longitudinal cohort study. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) was used to identify distinct trajectory classes of loneliness based on self-reported ratings. Multinomial logistic three-step regression analyses examined potential psychosocial risk and protective factors associated with loneliness trajectories. GMM revealed three distinct loneliness trajectories: Low-decreasing loneliness (61.2%), moderate-increasing loneliness (31.6%), and high-increasing loneliness (7.2%). Being married/partnered and perceiving greater purpose in life emerged as protective factors against elevated levels of loneliness. Worse cognitive functioning was a risk factor for the moderate-increasing loneliness trajectory, while greater psychological distress and more adverse childhood experiences were risk factors for the high-increasing loneliness trajectory. Nearly 40% of older U.S. veterans exhibited trajectories characterized by moderate to high levels of loneliness, with both groups showing increases over time. Targeted interventions that promote social connectedness, enhance purpose in life, and address mental health concerns and early life adversities may help mitigate the negative health consequences associated with chronic loneliness in this vulnerable population.