Associations Between Social Isolation and Self-Reported Health Among Working-Age Adults in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study

PurposeTo examine the association between social isolation and self-reported health among working-age adults in the United States.DesignCross-sectional study among working-age adults from the 2021-2023 American Time Use Survey.SettingUS, national.SubjectsAdults aged 25-64 years (n = 13,490).MeasuresBased on national daily diary data, we produced two measures of social isolation. Physical social isolation was measured as not engaging in a single face-to-face interaction during activities carried in the past 24 hours and total social isolation incorporates no telecommunication with others also. Health status was collected through self-report and dichotomized following standard practices.AnalysisMultivariable logistic regression models were fit to estimate associations between both measures of social isolation and poor/fair health, adjusting for covariates.ResultsRespondents who were classified as physically isolated reported poor/fair health at higher rates than their non-isolated counterparts (25.7% vs 16.4%). Physical social isolation was associated with higher likelihood of reporting poor/fair health (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.12-1.62) and this association is consistent when modelled as total social isolation (aOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.06-1.58).ConclusionAbout 9.4% of the working-age adult population reported being either physically or totally isolated and this is associated with poor/fair health status. This suggests the need for interventions to promote socialization and social cohesion as a way of promoting and preserving public health.