B4276 - Exploring the relationship between health and loneliness - 13/03/2023
B number:
B4276
Principal applicant name:
Zoe Reed | University of Bristol (UK)
Co-applicants:
Professor Marcus Munafo, Dr Hannah Sallis, Dr Robyn Wootton
Title of project:
Exploring the relationship between health and loneliness
Proposal summary:
Previous studies have demonstrated that loneliness is related to poorer health outcomes across a range of health conditions and traits. However, it is unclear whether these represent causal relationships i.e., increased loneliness leads to poorer health outcomes and what the direction of effect is if so. In addition, further investigation is needed to examine the extent of the impact of loneliness across a range of physical and mental health outcomes. In this project we will examine this further.
Impact of research:
Our results will be shared with Nesta in combination with findings from other analyses and other cohorts. This will be included in their report, a blog and a possible press release. Findings would also be presented to the tackling loneliness evidence group (for their report). We would also include findings in an academic paper.
We would hope that these results would inform the current understanding of loneliness and health outcomes in order to identify suitable targets for future interventions and further research.
Date proposal received:
Monday, 27 February, 2023
Date proposal approved:
Monday, 13 March, 2023
Keywords:
Epidemiology, Mental health, Loneliness, Statistical methods, Genetic epidemiology, Mendelian randomisation