Longitudinal analysis of the effect of social health on health care utilisation and mortality among older women.
Synopsis
Previous studies have reported inconsistent associations between social health and healthcare use. In addition, there is evidence that the effect of loneliness on healthcare use and on mortality that was found in previous studies was due to partly adjusted data. The causal effect of loneliness on healthcare use and on mortality has never been tested. The current study will examine the effect of loneliness on healthcare use and on mortality. Our study will contribute to the understanding of loneliness ’ s long-term effects. It will provide the necessary knowledge to improve the screening and treatment of older women in the health care system and to prevent unnecessary negative health outcomes and necessary health care use.