Loneliness and associated socio-demographic factors among rural older adults in Naogaon district of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Despite the fact that socio-demographic factors have a significant influence on loneliness, this issue has received limited attention, particularly when it comes to older adults in rural Bangladesh. This study aims to address the question posed in the title, investigating the potential connection between socio-demographic factors and loneliness in older adults. The results reveal that around six out of ten participants reported experiencing loneliness. The study identifies that older adults who are advanced in age, women, widows or widowers, those with lower educational attainment, lacking engagement in paid work, possessing lower economic status, living alone, and experiencing poor health are at an elevated risk of loneliness. This study employed a mixed-method approach. A cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting individuals aged 60 and above in the rural Naogaon district of Bangladesh for quantitative data and in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) for qualitative insights. Data, encompassing detailed socio-demographic information and loneliness-related details, were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios for various socio-demographic factors associated with loneliness. In contrast to prior research, this study supports the assertion that socio-demographic factors significantly influence loneliness among older adults. The findings and recommendations from this study are anticipated to guide policymakers in adjusting existing strategies and formulating new ones for the well-being of older adults, aiming to alleviate loneliness.