Loneliness is a common and serious problem among people experiencing homelessness, and it is linked to worse health outcomes and more frequent emergency room visits, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The study, which surveyed homeless adults in Los Angeles and San Francisco, found that those who reported feeling lonely were more likely to rate their health as poor and to have visited an emergency department in the past three months.

Key takeaways

  • Nearly half of homeless adults in the study reported feeling lonely.
  • Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
  • People who were lonely were more likely to have visited an emergency room recently.
  • The findings suggest that addressing loneliness could improve health and reduce healthcare costs for this vulnerable group.

Study details and methods

The research, led by Amanda Landrian Gonzalez and colleagues, surveyed 536 adults experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Participants answered questions about their feelings of loneliness, their physical and mental health, and their use of healthcare services. The study was published in 2026 by the Department of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The researchers used a standard loneliness scale to measure how often participants felt isolated or left out. They also asked about chronic health conditions, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and whether they had been to an emergency room in the previous three months.

Key findings on loneliness and health

About 48 percent of participants reported feeling lonely. Those who were lonely were significantly more likely to report fair or poor health compared to those who were not lonely. They also had higher rates of depression and anxiety, and were more likely to have thought about suicide.

In addition, lonely individuals were more likely to have visited an emergency room in the past three months. This connection held even after the researchers accounted for other factors such as age, gender, and chronic health conditions. The authors suggest that loneliness may lead people to seek medical attention for emotional distress or to use the ER as a source of social contact.

Why loneliness matters for homeless populations

People experiencing homelessness often face social isolation due to stigma, lack of stable housing, and disrupted social networks. The study highlights that loneliness is not just an emotional issue but a health risk factor that may drive higher healthcare use. The authors note that interventions to reduce loneliness, such as peer support programs or community-building activities, could potentially improve health outcomes and reduce strain on emergency services.

The researchers also point out that loneliness is distinct from simply being alone. Many homeless individuals may be surrounded by others but still feel disconnected. This suggests that efforts to address loneliness should focus on the quality of social relationships, not just the quantity of social contacts.

Limitations and next steps

The study was conducted in two California cities, so the findings may not apply to homeless populations in other regions. The data was self-reported, which means participants may have underreported or overreported their feelings and health. The study also did not track participants over time, so it cannot prove that loneliness causes worse health or more ER visits, only that the two are linked.

Future research could explore whether programs that reduce loneliness also lead to better health and lower healthcare costs. The authors call for more attention to loneliness as a public health issue among homeless populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is loneliness among homeless people?

In this study, nearly half of homeless adults reported feeling lonely. Other research has found similar rates, suggesting that loneliness is a widespread issue in this population.

Does loneliness cause more emergency room visits?

The study found a link between loneliness and recent ER visits, but it cannot prove that loneliness directly causes people to go to the ER. It is possible that loneliness leads people to seek medical care for emotional distress, or that people who are already in poor health are more likely to feel lonely.

What can be done to reduce loneliness in homeless populations?

Possible approaches include peer support programs, group activities, and efforts to reduce stigma. The study authors suggest that improving the quality of social connections, not just increasing social contact, may be key to addressing loneliness.

This is an original report by Vital Signs Today, informed by reporting from Google News. Read the original source.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.