Abstract
Introduction: Loneliness is a critical psychosocial problem
that affects mental health and wellbeing of the individuals and
communities. This systematic review synthesized the current evidence on
the prevalence and correlates of loneliness from empirical studies
conducted in India.
Methods: Adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, eight major databases and
additional sources were searched. Studies were evaluated using following
criteria: peer-reviewed journal articles, published in English language,
presenting any quantitative form of evidence on loneliness, and studies
conducted in India among the Indian population. A meta-analysis of the
prevalence studies and narrative synthesis of the overall status and
factors associated with loneliness were conducted.
Results: Among 1290 studies, only 13 met our criteria. All the
studies reported a high burden of loneliness among the participants. The
pooled prevalence among 3169 participants was 41% (95% confidence
interval [CI] 18% - 63%). The burden of loneliness was higher
among the elderly participants (44%, 95% CI 5% - 83%) compared to
younger participants (24%, 95% CI 22% - 27%). Factors associated
with loneliness included aging, family structure, marital status,
religious practices, group membership, educational attainment, source
and level of income, psychological attributes, and comorbid physical and
mental health conditions among the affected individuals.
Conclusion: This review identified and evaluated the status and
severity of loneliness and its correlates, which may inform future
studies examining complex psychopathological and social dynamics
associated with loneliness. Lastly, the current evidence necessitates
the development of multipronged interventions to address the risk
factors and alleviate the burden of loneliness in India.