Loneliness as a Public Health Challenge: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis to Inform Policy and Practice.

ABSTRACT: Loneliness is a recognized public health risk factor associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the effectiveness of interventions targeting loneliness remains unclear-particularly in relation to baseline severity. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed intervention effectiveness and the influence of baseline severity and intervention characteristics. A total of 25 studies were included, of which 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; k = 21) were meta-analyzed. Interventions produced a moderate pooled effect at post-intervention (Hedge's g = 0.65, 95% CI [0.05, 1.26], p = 0.037), though with high heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses confirmed a moderate effect (g = 0.55, 95% CI [0.22, 0.88], p = 0.003). Higher baseline loneline

SUBMITTER: Zeas-Siguenza A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12293955 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature