Loneliness and Its Determinants among the Elderly in an Urban Field Practice Area of a Medical College in North India: A Community-Based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Mental health disorders affect over 20% of the elderly, with depression being one of the most prevalent conditions. Loneliness plays a significant role in contributing to depression, leading to negative effects on physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. It also reduces overall quality of life and increases the risk of mortality. Despite its impact, research on gero-psychiatry remains limited, often focusing on clinical settings rather than community-based studies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of loneliness among older adults and explore the associated factors. The present study was conducted as part of a larger study assessing depression among the elderly. However, the current manuscript specifically focuses on loneliness as an independent entity of public health importance. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mehrauli, a field practice area for Lady Hardinge Medical College, from January 2023 to February 2024. A total of 338 elderly individuals participated. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA scale and functional ability was evaluated using the Katz Index. Results: Most participants (74.6%) were aged 60–69 years (mean age 66.28 ± 7.12), and 53.3% were women. The overall prevalence of loneliness was 52.4%. Significant associations were found between loneliness and factors such as age, gender, marital status, education, family structure, socioeconomic status, chronic illness, and functional impairment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The high prevalence of loneliness among urban elderly highlights the need for timely interventions. Policies promoting social security, mental health awareness, and community engagement can help reduce its impact. NGOs and government initiatives should work together to support elderly well-being.