DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_533_26 ISSN: 2249-4863

Prevalence of loneliness and its relationship with mental health and social support among Imam University students: A cross-sectional study

Khalid A. Bin Abdulrahman, Ali K. Alhazmi, Mohammed A. AlFares, Mubarak A. Alarfaj, Muhannad D. Alhayf, Mohammed S. Alwohaibi, Faris A. Bin Thafrah
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BSTRACT

Background:

Loneliness arises when there is a gap between desired and actual social connections. It may occur even with regular social contact and is known to impact mental, physical, and social well-being. This study explored the prevalence of loneliness and its associations with mental health and social support among university students.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire distributed via institutional email to students at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). Data were cleaned in Excel and analyzed using SPSS Version 27.

Results:

A total of 63% of participants reported loneliness. While no significant associations were found with demographic variables (e.g., sex, age, nationality), psychosocial factors showed strong links. Participants who missed social interaction (85.6%) or felt rejected (89.0%) were significantly more likely to feel lonely ( P = 0.001). Interestingly, an unexpected pattern was observed where loneliness prevalence appeared lower among those reporting deteriorating mental health; however, regression analysis confirmed that deteriorating mental health was independently associated with higher odds of loneliness. Low social support was a significant predictor of loneliness (Adjusted odd ratio [AOR] =0.464, 95% CI: 0.342–0.629, P < 0.001), with 87.2% of those with low support experiencing loneliness.

Conclusion:

Loneliness is highly prevalent among university students and is primarily influenced by psychosocial dynamics and social support rather than demographic factors.

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