Social isolation and loneliness effects on medication adherence in older adults: perspectives from a systematic review

TL;DR

This paper reviews how social isolation and loneliness may reduce medication adherence in older adults, highlighting the need for more research and interventions.

Contribution

The study systematically reviews the link between social isolation/loneliness and medication adherence in older adults, identifying key mediating factors.

Findings

Social isolation and loneliness may negatively affect medication adherence in older adults.

Loneliness and social support may mediate the relationship between social isolation and medication adherence.

More robust research is needed to confirm the associations between these factors and medication adherence.

Abstract

Demographic, social, and familial changes have led to an increase in the lack of family and support systems, which is particularly relevant for older adults who may be at risk for low medication adherence. This study examines the relationship between social isolation and/or loneliness and medication adherence in older adults, also identifying the measurement tools used to explore this relationship.

We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines, searching databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EBSCO. The quality of evidence was assessed following the GRADE approach, integrated with the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools, NOS for cohort studies and AXIS tools.

In the final synthesis, we included five articles. According to the findings of the study, social isolation and loneliness may negatively affect medication adherence in older adults. Loneliness and social support may have a mediating role in the relationship between social isolation and medication adherence.

Loneliness and social isolation could influence medication adherence in older patients, especially in managing chronic conditions, but more robust research is needed to confirm the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and medication adherence. However, addressing loneliness and social isolation may be critical to improving medication management among older adults.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-26085-7.

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