Prevalence of loneliness states among the US adult population: Findings from the 2022 HINTS-6.

Abstract

Introduction: In 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and social isolation as significant public health issues, linked to adverse outcomes such as chronic disease, mental health disorders, and mortality. This study aimed to provide population-based estimates of loneliness states among U.S. adults and identify differences across sociodemographic, contextual, and health-related factors.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS-6). Loneliness was measured using the PROMIS Social Isolation Short form. Weighted percentages and 95% confidence intervals were generated using the Korn-Graubard method for complex surveys for each variable. Logistic regression was used to examine correlates of moderate-severe loneliness.

Results: Approximately 37.4% of the US adult population experienced moderate to severe loneliness (i.e., 23.5% moderate and 14.0% severe loneliness). There were several disparities across sociodemographic groups (e.g., lesbian and gay individuals), those with social isolation proxies (e.g., never married), those with poor health, and general and chronic health conditions. In a fully adjusted model, younger age, lower income, gay or lesbian identity, being divorced or widowed, short sleep duration, and depression were consistently associated with higher odds of moderate-severe loneliness states.

Conclusions: Loneliness is a critical public health challenge in the U.S., with pronounced disparities across sociodemographic and health-related factors. These findings compel the necessity for preventive targeted interventions aimed at addressing loneliness within public health initiatives. Enhancing public health surveillance to capture loneliness more effectively is imperative to mitigate its impact.