The Association Between Community Participation and Loneliness Among Patients in Rural Community Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Loneliness among adults is a critical public health issue, particularly in rural areas where social isolation can be more pronounced. Understanding the factors that influence loneliness can guide the development of effective interventions. This study explores the impact of demographic, health -related, and social participation factors on loneliness among rural Japanese adults, focusing on the role of community participation. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted with rural Japanese adults who regularly visited rural community hospitals. Data were collected on participants' demographic characteristics, health status, and social participation and analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model to identify factors associated with higher levels of loneliness. The covariates included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), chronic health conditions, and community participation. Results The study found that community participation had a significant negative association with loneliness, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.46 (p < 0.01), indicating that individuals engaged in community activities were substantially less likely to experience higher levels of loneliness. Higher BMI was associated with lower odds of loneliness (OR = 0.93, p < 0.02), suggesting a protective effect against loneliness. Conclusion The findings highlight the paramount importance of community engagement in mitigating loneliness among rural Japanese adults. The inverse relationship between BMI and loneliness suggests that BMI and social participation influence loneliness. These insights underscore the need for comprehensive interventions that promote community participation and address the multifaceted nature of loneliness. Future research should further explore the mechanisms through which community engagement and BMI impact loneliness to develop targeted strategies for improving the well-being of rural adults.