Association Between Loneliness and the Use of Medical Institutions and Pharmacies in Urban Japan

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between loneliness and utilization of medical institutions and pharmacies in urban areas of Japan.

Methods: A 52-item survey was distributed to 10,000 residents, aged 15-64 years, in Nakano Ward, Tokyo, Japan. The survey included a three-item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, as well as questions on demographic, socioeconomic, and educational background, medical institution and pharmacy use, and community activities.

Results: Of the 3,369 survey respondents, 379 answered “Always feel that way” to at least one of the three items on the loneliness scale. Participants who felt lonely were significantly more likely to be men (p < 0.001), economically disadvantaged (p < 0.001), and perceived their health status as poor (p < 0.001). Loneliness was associated with a significantly lower self-reported frequency of medical institution use (p = 0.003) and pharmacy use (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Loneliness was associated with male gender, economic disadvantage, poorer perceived health status, and lower self-reported frequency of medical institution and pharmacy use. These findings suggest the existence of barriers preventing lonely people from accessing necessary medical and pharmacy services. Further research is needed to explore these barriers in greater detail.