Factors Influencing Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Lung Cancer Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Aim: Previous reviews of Social determinants of health in lung cancer patients have not examined essential factors such as social isolation and loneliness. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting social isolation and loneliness among lung cancer patients. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Social isolation, loneliness, and the presence of dementia were measured using Japanese adaptations of the Lubben Social Network Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Life Function Evaluation for Care Provision, respectively. Results: From March 2019 to March 2020, 264 patients were included. Social isolation was significantly higher for patients receiving welfare (adjusted OR=5.28, 95% CI=2.24-12.4). Loneliness was significantly higher for patients receiving welfare (beta coefficient=0.52, 95% Cl=0.13-0.90) with symptoms of dementia (beta coefficient=0.28, 95% Cl=0.03-0.54). Conclusion: Results showed that receiving welfare was associated with experiencing social isolation. Receiving welfare and symptoms of dementia were associated with experiencing loneliness.Social determinants of health (SDH) are social and economic factors that affect human health (1). These factors include income, social status, education, living conditions, social support, and access to health services (2). Social isolation and loneliness are also crucial factors of SDH (3). Individuals who experience social isolation and loneliness have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and allcause mortality (3). Addressing SDH is essential for improving health and reducing longstanding disparities in health and healthcare service provision (4). The World Health Organization (WHO) further highlights the importance of addressing SDH (5).To date, few studies on SDH have been conducted among patients with cancer (6). Moreover, a previous systematic review on SDH among lung cancer patients failed to examine essential factors, such as social isolation and loneliness (7). Thus, the present study aimed to explore the factors affecting social isolation and loneliness at the time of diagnosis among lung cancer patients in Japan. Our research 7141

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