Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Mental Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

Alyssa Howren; J. Antonio Avina‐Zubieta; Joseph H. Puyat; Deborah Da Costa; Hui Xie; Eileen Davidson; Nevena Rebić; Louise Gastonguay; Hallie Dau; Mary A. De Vera

doi:10.1002/acr2.11539

journal article Open Access Mar 25, 2023

Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Mental Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

Alyssa Howren J. Antonio Avina‐Zubieta

Joseph H. Puyat Deborah Da Costa Hui Xie

Eileen Davidson Nevena Rebić Louise Gastonguay Hallie Dau Mary A. De Vera

ACR Open Rheumatology Vol. 5 No. 5 pp. 243-250 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/acr2.11539

Abstract

ObjectiveThe study objective was to assess mental and social health outcomes for individuals with rheumatic disease during the COVID‐19 pandemic and evaluate the relationship of loneliness and social isolation with depression and anxiety.MethodsWe administered an international cross‐sectional online survey to individuals with rheumatic disease(s) (≥18 years) between April 2020 and September 2020, with a follow‐up survey from December 2020 to February 2021. We used questionnaires to evaluate loneliness (3‐item UCLA Loneliness Scale [UCLA‐3]), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale [LSNS‐6]), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐9]), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item [GAD‐7] Scale). We used multivariable linear regression models to evaluate the cross‐sectional associations of loneliness and social isolation with depression and anxiety at baseline.ResultsSeven hundred eighteen individuals (91.4% women, mean age: 45.4 ± 14.2 years) participated in the baseline survey, and 344 completed the follow‐up survey. Overall, 51.1% of participants experienced loneliness (UCLA‐3 score ≥6) and 30.3% experienced social isolation (LSNS‐6 score <12) at baseline. Depression (PHQ‐9 score ≥10) and anxiety (GAD‐7 score ≥10) were experienced by 42.8% and 34.0% of participants at baseline, respectively. Multivariable models showed that experiencing both loneliness and social isolation, in comparison to experiencing neither, was significantly associated with an average 7.27 higher depression score (ß = 7.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.08‐8.47) and 5.14 higher anxiety score (ß = 5.14; 95% CI: 4.00‐6.28).ConclusionAside from showing substantial experience of loneliness and social isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, our survey showed significant associations with depression and anxiety. Patient supports to address social health have potential implications for also supporting mental health.

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References

Details

Published: Mar 25, 2023
Vol/Issue: 5(5)
Pages: 243-250
License: View

Authors

A

Alyssa Howren

University of British Columbia, Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, and Arthritis Research Canada British Columbia Vancouver Canada

J

J. Antonio Avina‐Zubieta

University of British Columbia and Arthritis Research Canada British Columbia Vancouver Canada

J

Joseph H. Puyat

University of British Columbia and Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences British Columbia Vancouver Canada

D

Deborah Da Costa

McGill University Quebec Montreal Canada

H

Hui Xie

Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, and Simon Fraser University British Columbia Burnaby Canada

E

Eileen Davidson

Arthritis Research Canada British Columbia Vancouver Canada

N

Nevena Rebić

University of British Columbia, Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, and Arthritis Research Canada British Columbia Vancouver Canada

L

Louise Gastonguay

University of British Columbia and Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation British Columbia Vancouver Canada

H

Hallie Dau

University of British Columbia and Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation British Columbia Vancouver Canada

M

Mary A. De Vera

University of British Columbia, Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Arthritis Research Canada, and Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences British Columbia Vancouver Canada

Funding

Arthritis Society Award: #SOG‐18‐0192

Cite This Article

Alyssa Howren, J. Antonio Avina‐Zubieta, Joseph H. Puyat, et al. (2023). Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Mental Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID‐19 Pandemic. ACR Open Rheumatology, 5(5), 243-250. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr2.11539

Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Mental Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

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