Loneliness and suicide risks in the general population in Taiwan

Abstract Purpose Loneliness is a critical issue afflicting the general population. Current evidence from nationwide surveys of loneliness is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of loneliness in representative surveys across Taiwan. Methods Four annual telephone interview surveys were performed by the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020. Each yearly sample was randomly selected by stratifying the general public over 15 years old in different geographical areas. Participants completed a single-item loneliness screening question and a set of instruments assessing socio-demographic and psychological distress (5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale), as well as suicide risk (9-item Concise Mental Health Checklist). All the survey data were integrated for analysis. Results In total, 8460 participants (49.4% males) were recruited. Gender, age, job, education, and marital status in the four-year distributions were similar. The average prevalence of loneliness was 12.6%. Loneliness was associated with psychological distress (e.g., insomnia and depression) and suicide risks, being positively correlated with two suicide risk factors, “alcohol/drug abuse” and “no one trustworthy to talk to”, and negatively correlated with self-rated health variables. The odds of loneliness for lifetime suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempt, and future suicide intent were 4.9, 5.1, and 9.2, respectively. Conclusion The study highlighted key suicide-related variables of loneliness, particularly the role of future suicide intention, substance use, perceived health, and lack of trusting relationships. Promoting self-perceived health conditions and understanding suicidal ideation over lack of trusting relationships among the general public may reduce feelings of loneliness.