Longitudinal association of social isolation and loneliness with physical function among in‐patients living with schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Li‐Jung , Steptoe Andrew , Chien I‐Chia , Ku Po‐Wen 
Published: March 2024

What is Known on the Subject?

People living with schizophrenia have reduced physical function and are more likely to experience loneliness than those without condition.

Low physical function is associated with greater loneliness in people with psychosis. However, it is unclear whether social isolation and loneliness contribute to impaired physical function in this population.

Loneliness is linked to an increased risk of physical function impairment among older individuals, but research on patients living with schizophrenia is limited.

What This Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge?

This study is the first to evaluate the longitudinal association of social isolation and loneliness with physical function among inpatients living with schizophrenia.

It showed that more than one third of the participants experienced a decline in physical function over a 2‐year period.

Loneliness, rather than social isolation, was associated with an increase in physical function impairment over 2 years among inpatients living with schizophrenia.

What are the Implications for Practice?

Healthcare professionals should recognize loneliness as a potential risk factor for impaired physical function among inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

It is recommended that people living with schizophrenia are assessed for loneliness and that interventions are offered to alleviate their feelings of loneliness.

Implementing interventions to reduce loneliness may help improve physical function and overall quality of life for individuals living with schizophrenia.

Introduction

Patients living with schizophrenia often experience low physical function, which is associated with negative health outcomes. Therefore, investigating the risk factors for physical function is crucial in this population.

Aim

This study examined the longitudinal association of social isolation and loneliness with physical function among inpatients living with schizophrenia.

Methods

Physical function was assessed using measures of activities daily living (ADL), instrumental activities daily living (IADL) and the combination scores of ADL/IADL. Social isolation was indexed with five types of social connection and loneliness was measured using UCLA Loneliness Scale.

Results

Social isolation was not associated with the measures of physical function over 2 years. Loneliness exhibited an association with IADL and ADL/IADL at follow‐up, after adjustment for baseline levels of the outcomes. These associations remained when both social isolation and loneliness were simultaneously entered into the model.

Discussion

Loneliness, rather than social isolation, was associated with increased physical function impairment over 2 years among inpatients living with schizophrenia.

Implications for Practice

Healthcare professionals should consider loneliness as a potential risk factor for impaired physical function. It would be beneficial to assess patients for loneliness and implement interventions to reduce feelings of loneliness.