Psychometric evaluation of the UCLA-8 loneliness scale among structurally vulnerable older adults in rural India: implications for equity-oriented screening in primary health care

The UCLA-8 shows robust psychometric validity and feasibility as a brief, equity-sensitive screening tool for rural Indian primary care. Cultural adaptation of weaker items and integration into NPHCE and Health and Wellness Centres could enable earlier detection and support for loneliness among structurally marginalized older adults.