Marquez, J., Goodfellow, C. , Hardoon, D., Inchley, J. , Leyland, A.H. , Qualter, P., Simpson, S.A. and Long, E. (2023) Loneliness in young people: a multilevel exploration of social ecological influences and geographic variation. Journal of Public Health, 45(1), pp. 109-117. (doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab402) (PMID:34999845) (PMCID:PMC10017088)
![[img]](https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
259767.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. 342kB |
Abstract
Background: Loneliness is a growing public health concern, yet little is known about loneliness in young people. The current study aimed to identify social ecological factors related to loneliness and examine the extent to which geographic region may account for differences in loneliness. Methods: The data come from a cross-sectional sample of 6503 young people living in the UK. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA 3-item scale. Bivariate analyses were used to test associations between each predictor and loneliness. Multilevel models were used to identify key social ecological factors related to loneliness, and the extent to which loneliness may vary across geographic regions (local authority districts). Results: Sociodemographic, social, health and well-being, and community factors were found to be associated with loneliness. Geographic region was associated with 5–8% of the variation in loneliness. The effect of gender, sexual orientation and minority ethnic background on loneliness differed across regions. Conclusions: This is the first study to highlight modifiable social and community factors related to youth loneliness, and individual vulnerabilities, such as poor mental well-being. Results related to geographic differences suggest that local-level initiatives may be most appropriate in tackling loneliness, rather than wider, less contextualized national efforts.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This work was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council [ES/T008679/1], the Medical Research Council [MC_UU_00022/1, MC_UU_00022/2, MC_UU_00022/3] and the Chief Scientist Office [SPHSU16, SPHSU17, SPHSU18]. EL is also supported by MRC Skills Development Fellowship Award [MR/S015078/1]. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Long, Dr Emily and Goodfellow, Ms Claire and Leyland, Professor Alastair and Simpson, Professor Sharon and Inchley, Dr Joanna and Marquez, Mr Jose |
| Authors: | Marquez, J., Goodfellow, C., Hardoon, D., Inchley, J., Leyland, A.H., Qualter, P., Simpson, S.A., and Long, E. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Public Health |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| ISSN: | 1741-3842 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1741-3850 |
| Published Online: | 07 January 2022 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2022 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Public Health 45(1): 109-117 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
| Data DOI: | 10.5255/UKDA-SN-6614-14 |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record
Funder and Project Information
Funder and Project Information