Differences in Loneliness Across the Rural‐Urban Continuum Among Adults Living in Washington State

• DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12535
• Publication Date: 2020-11-12T17:58:34Z
• Authors: Demetrius A. Abshire; Janessa M. Graves; Solmaz Amiri; Wendy Williams‐Gi...
• Keywords: Odds

Abstract Purpose Rural residents may be at higher risk for loneliness than urban due to factors such as social isolation, poorer health, and socioeconomic disadvantage. To date, there have been few studies examining rural‐urban differences in among adults the United States. We examined across continuum adult living Washington State. Methods Stratified random sampling was used select 2,575 from small rural, large suburban, areas who were invited complete a survey on affecting health. Data obtained 616 (278 100 98 140 areas) June 2018 through October 2019. Loneliness measured using UCLA Scale (3rd version). Multivariable linear logistic regressions examine geographic (measured continuously dichotomously). Findings Mean unadjusted scores lower suburban compared (35.06 vs 38.57, P = .03). The prevalence of 50.7%, 59.0%, 40.8%, 54.3% areas, respectively. Suburban associated with odds being lonely (unadjusted OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.34‐0.98), but this association not statistically significant adjusted model (OR 0.63; 0.33‐1.19). Conclusion is prevalent health issue State adults.