The impact of loneliness on healthcare costs and service utilisation and the cost-effectiveness of loneliness interventions: systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Loneliness is associated with several physical and mental health problems, yet its costs to the healthcare system remain unclear.

Aims

The current study aimed to review literature on the health and social care impacts of loneliness, and review economic evaluations of loneliness interventions.

Method

We conducted a systematic review of studies published from 2008 to April 2025 by searching five bibliographic databases, grey literature and reference lists of systematic reviews. Studies estimating health and social care cost/expenditure, and on health resource utilisation, were included to assess the impact of loneliness on the health system. Return on investment, social return on investment and cost-effectiveness evaluations were included to assess the econom

SUBMITTER: Eager S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529335 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature