The prevalence of loneliness in Malta : a nationally representative study of the Maltese population

Abstract

Background: The phenomenon of loneliness has been described as an epidemic in modern societies, given its detrimental effects on psychological and physical health. Evidence also indicates that rates of loneliness are increasing, and that the phenomenon is closely linked to a number of structural variables. Although the experience of loneliness is a natural part of the human condition, studies show that prolonged or severe loneliness can have negative outcomes for those experiencing it. Whilst a dearth of empirical evidence exists regarding the prevalence of loneliness in Malta, there is an indication that loneliness is on the increase – such as the rising rates of calls to the national support line by persons suffering from loneliness, as well as the results of a study conducted by Caritas Malta showing that half of the elderly residents in a rural town of Dingli are lonely. Project Purpose and Design: This study had the following objectives: • To assess the prevalence of loneliness amongst the Maltese population, • To explore any existing relationships between loneliness and particular socio-demogr aphic and structural variables, and • To contribute to the existing body of empirical research on the topic of loneliness. These objectives were attained through the use of a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) procedure. The questionnaire used included a standardised loneliness scale, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, in addition to several socio-demographic questions. The questionnaire was made available in either English or Maltese and data collection was carried out during the month of March 2019. The Sample: This study surveyed a representative stratified random sample of all persons living in private households in the Maltese Islands, aged 11 years and older. The sample was stratified to ensure adequate representation based on gender, age group, and district. Results: The results of this study show that a total of 43.3% of individuals residing in the Maltese Islands experience some degree of loneliness. Of these, 41.3% are moderately lonely, 1.7% are severely lonely, and 0.5% are very severely lonely. A number of socio-demographic variables were significantly associated with loneliness amongst the Maltese population. These are: • Age group • Level of education • Labour status • Household composition • Mortgage status • Perception of household income • Subjective physical health • Subjective coping ability • Subjective wellbeing • Presence of a disability These significant associations reveal the factors which increase individuals’ likelihood of experiencing loneliness. A person is more likely to be lonely if they: form part of an older age group; have limited educational attainment; are unemployed, retired, or otherwise not in employment; are widowed, separated, divorced, or married; live alone; have not paid off the mortgage on their dwelling; perceive their household income to be low; rate their physical health as ‘bad’; have a poor self-rated coping ability and low subjective wellbeing; and are disabled. Likewise, a person’s risk of loneliness is reduced if they: form part of a younger age group; are highly educated; are in employment; are of a single marital status; live with their parent(s) or guardian(s), have paid off the mortgage on their dwelling; perceive their household income to be adequate or high; have good or very good self-rated physical health; rate their coping ability as good or very good; have a positive self-rated subjective wellbeing; and are not disabled. Recommendations: The above findings provide the basis for a number of recommendations for research, practice and policy. Future research to periodically monitor the prevalence of loneliness amongst the Maltese population, as well as to explore the significantly associated demographic variables in greater depth, would be warranted. Policy recommendations for national and local Government include the establishment of a national loneliness strategy, addressing the rising cost of living, as well as devising initiatives to foster an improved sense of community amongst the population. Practical recommendations are also provided, including the provision of evidence-based interventions and of loneliness-specific training for professionals working with the general population.