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Does the Easing of COVID-19 Restrictive Measures Improve Loneliness Conditions? Evidence from Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Honoka Nabeshima

    (School of Economics, Hiroshima University, 1-2-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 7398525, Hiroshima, Japan)

  • Yu Kuramoto

    (School of Economics, Hiroshima University, 1-2-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 7398525, Hiroshima, Japan)

  • Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan

    (School of Economics, Hiroshima University, 1-2-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 7398525, Hiroshima, Japan)

  • Yoshihiko Kadoya

    (School of Economics, Hiroshima University, 1-2-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 7398525, Hiroshima, Japan)

Abstract

Given the substantial changes in health and safety protocols and economic activities over the past year, socioeconomic routines have returned to a state of normalcy. Therefore, it is important to conduct a longitudinal study to determine whether these recent changes have left a lasting imprint on loneliness, specifically among those who have experienced post-pandemic loneliness in previous years. We investigated the incidence of loneliness and the risk factors associated with it during the post-pandemic period using recent data. We utilized longitudinal data spanning from 2020 to 2023 and employed mean comparison tests and weighted probit regression models in this analysis. Our study reveals that loneliness continues to be a notable issue, with persistent, post-pandemic, and recent loneliness rates of 47.6%, 4.3%, and 2.2%, respectively. We also observed a slight reduction in both persistent and post-pandemic loneliness compared to the previous year. Younger people continued to experience higher persistent loneliness rates, with no significant age or sex differences in post-pandemic or recent loneliness. Various factors, such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and psychological factors, influence loneliness differently across sexes and age groups. The policy implications include ongoing monitoring, targeted interventions, and support for specific demographic and socioeconomic groups to address post-pandemic loneliness for the sustainable management of the loneliness issue in Japan.

Suggested Citation

  • Honoka Nabeshima & Yu Kuramoto & Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan & Yoshihiko Kadoya, 2023. "Does the Easing of COVID-19 Restrictive Measures Improve Loneliness Conditions? Evidence from Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16891-:d:1301167
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan & Pattaphol Yuktadatta & Yoshihiko Kadoya, 2022. "Who Became Lonely during the COVID-19 Pandemic? An Investigation of the Socioeconomic Aspects of Loneliness in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan & Yoshihiko Kadoya, 2021. "Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Older and Younger People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Sumeet Lal & Trinh Xuan Thi Nguyen & Abdul-Salam Sulemana & Pattaphol Yuktadatta & Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan & Yoshihiko Kadoya, 2022. "A Longitudinal Study on Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-17, September.
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