Reducing Loneliness in Hong Kong Older Adults Living in Poverty with Multi-level Support

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a multi-level intervention to reduce loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese older adults living in poverty. This trial aims to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions at individual, interpersonal, and community levels. The study uses a single-blinded, four-arm randomized controlled design guided by the biopsychosocial-pathways model to address loneliness comprehensively. Participants will be assigned to one of four groups individual-level intervention, individual plus interpersonal-level intervention, individual plus interpersonal plus community-level intervention, or an education control group. The individual-level intervention includes eight weekly 1-hour telephone sessions using mindfulness and the SOLUS-D program. The interpersonal-level involves eight weekly 1-hour sessions via telephone or Zoom using Group 4 Health. The community-level consists of four weekly 2-hour in-person sessions focusing on neighborhood connections and collective efficacy. The control group receives monthly health-related messages for six months. During the study, participants will be assessed at multiple time points up to 24 months using various measures including the UCLA Loneliness Scale, sleep quality, life satisfaction, daily living activities, physical symptoms, stress, walking test, anxiety and depression, and cognitive assessment. The study monitors changes in loneliness and related health outcomes while tracking adherence and safety. The total participation duration spans up to two years with evaluations at baseline, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Alleviating Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Poverty: A Multi-level Intervention