Loneliness in Resettlement Among Multi-Ethnic Resettled Refugees in Ohio

Abstract

Background This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with loneliness among five resettled communities in Ohio: Afghan, Bhutanese, Congolese, Ethiopi an/Eritrean, and Somali.

Methods A cross-sectional online survey of 572 participants was conducted with the help of local community organizations. Loneliness was measured using the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale and categorized into two groups: “not lonely” and “lonely.” The final analytic sample comprised 458 participants. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze key predictors, including healthcare access, mental and physical health, social support, and resilience.

Results Of the participants, 29% reported loneliness. Participants with regular access to a doctor were 56% less likely to experience loneliness than those without access [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.29–0.69], while fair/poor self-rated health tripled the experience (aOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.42–6.63). Mental health was the strongest predictor, with anxiety increasing the odds of loneliness by over eight times (aOR = 8.43, 95% CI: 4.46–15.93) and depression by more than three times (aOR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.99–6.26). Experiencing racial discrimination increased the odds of loneliness by 73% (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.10–2.74). Low resilience quintupled the odds of loneliness (aOR = 5.07, 95% CI: 2.79–9.20), while low social support doubled such odds (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.04–6.03).

Conclusion The study found a high prevalence of loneliness among adults in resettled communities, which underscores the need to address physical and mental health, healthcare access, and social support. Especially, it is critical to develop and implement culturally tailored interventions to reduce loneliness and improve the well-being of these communities.