Demographic Disparities Among Emerging Adults Experiencing Loneliness.

Abstract

Loneliness has increased in recent years and is associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes. While much research has focused on older adults, to date there has been limited research into loneliness in young adults who have the highest rates of loneliness. This study explores loneliness rates among subgroups of emerging adults ages 18-25. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a large primary-care health system in Washington State. Out of 243 emerging adult respondents, 136 (56%) reported experiencing loneliness. Bivariate analyses showed no significant difference for racial/ethnic minorities, while women and nonbinary individuals were significantly lonelier than men (P = 0.03), sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups were lonelier than heterosexuals (P < 0.01) and single individuals were lonelier than those in a relationship (P = 0.02). In a logistic regression model (R2 = 0.11), SGM individuals had OR = 2.01 of loneliness compared to heterosexuals (95% CI = 1.09-3.75; P = 0.03) and individuals in a relationship had OR = 0.37 compared to single individuals (95% CI = 0.20-0.66; P < 0.01). These findings show that it is feasible to identify emerging adults with loneliness and demonstrate the need for targeted loneliness interventions in primary care settings to reduce health disparities among this demographic group.