title: The Impact of Loneliness on Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Among Older, Sicker Adults.
abstract: Objective:This study estimated prevalence rates of loneliness, identified characteristics associated with loneliness, and estimated the impact of loneliness on quality of life (QOL) and patient satisfaction.Method:Surveys were mailed to 15,500 adults eligible for care management programs. Loneliness was measured using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) three-item scale, and QOL using Veteran's RAND 12-item (VR-12) survey. Patient satisfaction was measured on a 10-point scale. Propensity weighted multivariate regression models were utilized to determine characteristics associated with loneliness as well as the impact of loneliness on QOL and patient satisfaction.Results:Among survey respondents (N= 3,765), 28% reported severe and 27% moderate loneliness. The strongest predictor of loneliness was depression. Physical and mental health components of QOL were significantly reduced by loneliness. Severe loneliness was associated with reduced patient satisfaction.Discussion:Almost 55% of these adults experienced loneliness, negatively affecting their QOL and satisfaction with medical services. Screening for loneliness may be warranted.
authors.affiliation: Optum, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Shirley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Musich
authors.affiliation: Optum, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Shaohung S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Optum, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.affiliation: AARP Services Inc., Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Charlotte S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Yeh
keywords: Medicare Supplement; loneliness; patient satisfaction; quality of life