America at a glance: Social isolation and loneliness during the first wave of COVID-19

Authors

University of Montana Rural InstituteFollow

Document Type

Research Brief

Publisher

University of Montana Rural Institute

Publication Date

8-2020

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Public Health

Abstract

Social isolation and loneliness are a public health concern because they are associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes and mortality. To learn more about how COVID-19 and related responses (i.e. stay-at-home orders) may contribute to feelings of social isolation and loneliness among people with disabilities, we compared data from two cross-sectional samples collected before and after the first wave of “stay-at-home” orders. Post-COVID rural and urban samples reported significantly more interactions with family and close friends. Post-COVID urban respondents reported significantly lower rates of feeling left out, while the post-COVID rural respondents reported similar rates.

Keywords

health and wellness, rural, disability

Rights

© 2020 RTC:Rural

Granting Agency

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

Acknowledgement

The contents of this fact sheet were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90RTCP0002-01-00). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this fact sheet do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Project Number

90RTCP0002-01-00

Recommended Citation

Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities. (August 2020). America at a glance: Social isolation and loneliness during the first wave of COVID-19. Missoula, MT: The University of Montana, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities.