Cross-sectional Analysis of the Relationship Between Unwanted Loneliness and Perceived Health in Users of Senior Centers.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of unwanted loneliness and its relationship with perceived health among older adults attending day centers of the Andalusian Regional Government in the city of Algeciras (Cádiz, Spain). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 participants (21 men and 69 women) aged 65–95 years. The ESTE II Social Loneliness Scale was applied, together with sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, and health variables collected through structured questionnaires in personal interviews. Descriptive, correlation, and partial correlation analyses adjusted for significant variables were performed. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Andalusian Regional Government (SICEIA-2024-000074), and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: Most participants reported primary education and an annual income below €12,000. The prevalence of loneliness was lower than the regional average. Perceived health improved as loneliness decreased (p=0.004). Partial correlation analysis showed an inverse association between loneliness and perceived health with a trend-level significance (p=0.068). Regular physical activity was associated with lower levels of loneliness and better perceived health. Conclusion: The prevalence of unwanted loneliness in Algeciras was lower than that reported at the regional level. The findings confirm the trend that higher loneliness is related to poorer perceived health among older adults attending day centers. These results highlight the need to expand the sample and implement community interventions aimed at preventing loneliness and promoting healthy aging
Institution: University of Sassari
Language: Spanish
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220064973