Factors associated with loneliness in rural Australia: a web-based cross-sectional survey

Background: Loneliness affects approximately 35% of rural Australians with detrimental impacts on physical, emotional, and social health. This study aims to identify the factors associated with loneliness among adults in a rural Australian population. Methods: The study was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted between February and April 2023 among adults living in a rural Australian population. The survey, which was distributed using social media, consisted of 37 items including demographic information (17 items) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 (20 items). Collected data were analysed using univariate and multivariable analysis to identify the factors associated with loneliness in this population. Results: A total of 225 respondents, mostly aged 30–49yrs (42.7%) participated in this study. The majority were Australia-born (88.4%), females (79.6%), employed (70%) and a third of participants were married (34.7%) at the time of this study. The median loneliness score (55 [IQR 47.0–61.0]) was significantly lower among participants who took part in community, sporting or hobby groups (36.2%) compared to those who abstained from these activities (51.5, [IQR 45.3–58.0] vs 56.0 [IQR 48.0–62.0]; p = 0.037). However, this association was nullified, after adjusting for covariates. Those who rated their overall health as worse (i.e., ‘poor’ 62.5 [IQR 54.8–64.0]) had significantly higher median loneliness scores than those who self-rated their overall health as ‘excellent’ (46.0 [IQR 32.3–54.3]; p < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, poorer self-rated overall health remained significantly associated with loneliness, in contrast to ratings of ‘good’, ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’. Conclusions: Results indicate that in this rural Australian population, loneliness is associated with worse self-reported overall health, whilst participation in social groups appear to ameliorate loneliness. Policy aimed at reducing loneliness should therefore facilitate measures that improve this population's physical and mental health.