SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Determinants of Perceived Social Isolation Among Individuals With Inpatient Stays : Insights From a National Database

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This study examined perceived social isolation among U.S. adults with at least one inpatient stay using 2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data. The sample included a weighted population of 16.5 million adults. Social isolation was measured as a binary self-reported outcome (“feeling isolated”: yes/no), and factors such as demographics, comorbidities, and self-rated health were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.<br /><br />Key findings showed that about one-third of hospitalized individuals reported feeling socially isolated. In adjusted analyses, social isolation was more likely among college graduates or those with higher education, individuals who were widowed, divorced, separated, or unmarried, those with public health insurance (such as Medicare or Medicaid), and those with depression. Depression had the strongest association with social isolation.<br /><br />The study highlights that social isolation is common among hospitalized patients and is associated with important adverse outcomes, including poorer health, higher healthcare use, and increased mortality. The authors emphasize that hospitals may be important settings for identifying socially isolated patients, especially those at higher risk based on marital status, insurance type, education, and mental health. Hospitalists and social workers may help connect these patients to social support services and interventions that promote engagement.<br /><br />The authors conclude that more longitudinal and interventional research is needed, but current evidence suggests hospitals can play a meaningful role in recognizing and addressing social isolation during inpatient care.

Asset Subtitle

Sanjay Bhandari

Meta Tag

Author List Alisha Sharma, Barbara Slawski, Bimatshu Pyakuryal, Brian W. Quinn, Narendra B. Veerapaneni, Pinky Jha, Sandra Iregbu, Sanjay Bhandari, Sushma Raju

Category Research

Concept Social Isolation

Concept Depression

Concept Inpatient Stay

Concept Socioeconomic Factors

Concept Mental Status

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin

Presenting Author Sanjay Bhandari

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

social isolation

hospitalized adults

MEPS

inpatient stay

depression

public health insurance

marital status

education level

logistic regression

social support

Social Isolation

Depression

Inpatient Stay

Socioeconomic Factors

Mental Status