Abstract
Introduction
Loneliness occurs when there is a disparity between the quantity and quality of the social relationships we have and the ones we want. Research has shown that loneliness is negatively associated with quality of life and alcohol misuse; two common issues for military Veterans. Loneliness can also be affected by partner drinking, particularly if it does not match with Veterans’ own drinking behavior. This study aimed 1) to explore the association between loneliness, quality of life, and alcohol misuse, and 2) to explore the association between perceived partner drinking and loneliness, in a sample of UK treatment-seeking Veterans.
Methods
163 UK treatment-seeking Veterans completed a self-report questionnaire via the DrinksRation app including socio-demographic characteristics, military characteristics, and mental health and wellbeing outcomes such as quality of life, alcohol misuse, and perceived partner drinking. Loneliness was measured using the 3-item University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Linear regressions explored associations between loneliness, quality of life and alcohol misuse. Logistic regressions explored associations between perceived partner drinking and loneliness.
Results
Almost two thirds of the sample reported feeling lonely (65.6%). Unadjusted linear regressions showed lonely Veterans had lower quality of life scores across all domains and higher alcohol misuse scores than non-lonely Veterans. After full adjustment, loneliness was only significantly associated with the physical health (Beta= -0.98, 95% CI= -1.68 to -0.29, p=0.006) and social relationships (Beta= -2.28, 95% CI= -3.25 to -1.31, p
Discussion
This study found that lonely treatment-seeking Veterans had poorer quality of life and higher alcohol misuse than their non-lonely counterparts. Innovative ways to reduce loneliness and improve social connectedness are needed in the Veteran population, particularly for those with mental health needs and who drink heavily.
Loneliness occurs when there is a disparity between the quantity and quality of the social relationships we have and the ones we want. Research has shown that loneliness is negatively associated with quality of life and alcohol misuse; two common issues for military Veterans. Loneliness can also be affected by partner drinking, particularly if it does not match with Veterans’ own drinking behavior. This study aimed 1) to explore the association between loneliness, quality of life, and alcohol misuse, and 2) to explore the association between perceived partner drinking and loneliness, in a sample of UK treatment-seeking Veterans.
Methods
163 UK treatment-seeking Veterans completed a self-report questionnaire via the DrinksRation app including socio-demographic characteristics, military characteristics, and mental health and wellbeing outcomes such as quality of life, alcohol misuse, and perceived partner drinking. Loneliness was measured using the 3-item University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Linear regressions explored associations between loneliness, quality of life and alcohol misuse. Logistic regressions explored associations between perceived partner drinking and loneliness.
Results
Almost two thirds of the sample reported feeling lonely (65.6%). Unadjusted linear regressions showed lonely Veterans had lower quality of life scores across all domains and higher alcohol misuse scores than non-lonely Veterans. After full adjustment, loneliness was only significantly associated with the physical health (Beta= -0.98, 95% CI= -1.68 to -0.29, p=0.006) and social relationships (Beta= -2.28, 95% CI= -3.25 to -1.31, p
Discussion
This study found that lonely treatment-seeking Veterans had poorer quality of life and higher alcohol misuse than their non-lonely counterparts. Innovative ways to reduce loneliness and improve social connectedness are needed in the Veteran population, particularly for those with mental health needs and who drink heavily.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 17 Apr 2023 |
