2025 Volume 8 Issue 3 Pages 81-87
Objective: This study identified older adults at risk of psychological loneliness by examining its association with polypharmacy and medication.
Methods: Psychological loneliness was assessed in 131 older adults at four community pharmacies in Ōita City, Japan, using the UCLA Loneliness Scale (LS). Participants were categorized into high (≥ 50), moderate (35-49), and low (< 35) loneliness groups. Comparisons were made for polypharmacy, medication classes, and patient characteristics using the Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher’s exact tests (Bonferroni-corrected). Multiple regression analysis was also conducted.
Results: Polypharmacy rates were significantly higher in the high and moderate loneliness groups than in the low loneliness group (p ＝ 0.011, 0.008). The high loneliness group showed significantly higher use of hypnotics and anxiolytics (p ＝ 0.005). Regression analysis identified these medications as significantly associated factors (p ＝ 0.008).
Discussion: Older adults prescribed multiple medications or benzodiazepines may experience psychological loneliness. Therefore, early diagnosis and support are essential.
