Prevalence of Loneliness and Its Associated Factors among Older Adults in the Northern Part of Bangladesh

Background: Loneliness is identified as one of the foremost causes of psychological distress among older adults because health risks associated with loneliness. The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of loneliness among older adults in the northern part of Bangladesh. Methods: A multistage random sampling approach was utilized in a cross-sectional investigation including a population sample (n = 540) taken from two divisions covering the northern part of Bangladesh. Loneliness was measured using the self-reported Three-Item Loneliness Scale based on the Revised University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Loneliness was the outcome variable, and socio-demographic and health-related factors were the independent variables. A standard questionnaire was used to gather data from respondents. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of loneliness among older adults was found to be 61.85% (35.93% of men and 25.92% of women). The multiple binary logistic regression model established three associated factors of loneliness among older adults; (1) disabilities [AOR = 2.032, 95% CI: 1.345–3.069; p < 0.01], (2) fair health [AOR = 1.651, 95% CI: 1.090–2.502; p < 0.05] and unhealthy [AOR = 2.630, 95% CI: 1.578–4.381; p < 0.01], and (3) anxiety/depression [AOR = 1.621, 95% CI: 1.089–2.414; p < 0.05]. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the prevalence of loneliness among older adults in the northern part of Bangladesh was high and some modifiable factors were associated with loneliness. The findings of the study can help policymakers and healthcare practitioners overcome the psychological problems of older adults.