Perceived Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness: The Most Vulnerable Population Groups

COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures reasonably limited the social contacts of people in many countries. It is crucial to understand effect such policies on people’s ties and possible need for evidence-based public policy amendments. Therefore, this study examines 1) prevalence loneliness population aged 15+ Lithuania late 2021 2) self-rated COVID crisis groups with different levels loneliness. also focuses socio-demographic characteristics these groups. Data from a representative cross-sectional quantitative survey (N = 1067), carried out November–December 2021, was used. Based 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, descriptive statistics analysis revealed high (51% medium level loneliness) Lithuanian population. One three (36%) declared low-level loneliness, each seventh or eighth (13%) reported high-level The feelings respondents who were less stable; they more often stated that their increased during pandemic. These research findings make contributions studies within context sudden crises. They emphasise importance policymakers focusing additional when preparing future emergencies providing special attention residents experience highest Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SPER-020 Full Text: PDF