Abstract :
Although there are many studies reporting
perceived social isolation or loneliness and their
correlates in specific groups, there are few modern
prevalence studies. This study reports on the prevalence
of perceived social isolation in an Australian
community sample. Randomly sampled Australian
adults (n = 3,015) were interviewed using a standard
questionnaire. In addition to perceived social isolation
assessed by the Friendship Scale, data were collected on
socio-demographic variables and chronic health conditions.
The findings suggest that while most participants
were socially connected, 9% reported some social
isolation and 7% were isolated or very isolated. Perceived
social isolation varied by gender and age group,
region of birth, relationship, labourforce, and income
status.Akey finding was that younger adults had higher
probabilities of being classified as being socially isolated
than did older participants. Depression was very
strongly associated with perceived social isolation.
Other health conditions or life experiences associated
with it were hearing, incontinence and lifetime trauma
exposure. The demographic characteristics and
chronic health conditions associated with perceived
social isolation are structural circumstances of peoples’
lives. Given there are poor long-term health outcomes,
including early death and suicide, there are clear public
health implications for those trapped by these life circumstances
