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Multimorbidity, Loneliness, and Social Isolation. A Systematic Review

Author

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  • André Hajek

    (Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Benedikt Kretzler

    (Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Hans-Helmut König

    (Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

Abstract

No systematic review has appeared so far synthesizing the evidence regarding multimorbidity and loneliness, social isolation, or social frailty. Consequently, our aim was to fill this gap. Three electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched in our study. Observational studies examining the link between multimorbidity and loneliness, social isolation, and social frailty were included, whereas disease-specific samples were excluded. Data extraction included methods, characteristics of the sample, and the main results. A quality assessment was conducted. Two reviewers performed the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. In sum, eight studies were included in the final synthesis. Some cross-sectional and longitudinal studies point to an association between multimorbidity and increased levels of loneliness. However, the associations between multimorbidity and social isolation as well as social frailty remain largely underexplored. The quality of the studies included was rather high. In conclusion, most of the included studies showed a link between multimorbidity and increased loneliness. However, there is a lack of studies examining the association between multimorbidity and social isolation as well as social frailty. Future studies are required to shed light on these important associations. This is particularly important in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • André Hajek & Benedikt Kretzler & Hans-Helmut König, 2020. "Multimorbidity, Loneliness, and Social Isolation. A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8688-:d:449588
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruth Mächler & Noemi Sturm & Eckhard Frick & Friederike Schalhorn & Regina Stolz & Jan Valentini & Johannes Krisam & Cornelia Straßner, 2022. "Evaluation of a Spiritual History with Elderly Multi-Morbid Patients in General Practice—A Mixed-Methods Study within the Project HoPES3," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-15, January.
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    3. Xueqin Wang & Yiik Diew Wong & Kum Fai Yuen, 2021. "Rise of ‘Lonely’ Consumers in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Synthesised Review on Psychological, Commercial and Social Implications," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-22, January.
    4. André Hajek & Benedikt Kretzler & Hans-Helmut König, 2021. "Informal Caregiving, Loneliness and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-12, November.
    5. Juan Ribes & Jacinto González-Pachón, 2021. "Risk Attitude in Multicriteria Decision Analysis: A Compromise Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-14, June.
    6. André Hajek & Hans-Helmut König, 2022. "Climate Anxiety, Loneliness and Perceived Social Isolation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-11, November.
    7. André Hajek & Hans-Helmut König, 2021. "The Association between Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, Loneliness, Perceived and Objective Social Isolation—Results of a Nationally Representative Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-10, December.

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