Caring for the caregivers: a cross-sectional study to assess loneliness in doctors of western Maharashtra

Background: Loneliness has been found to be connected with burnout and other types of emotional distress in physicians. Doctors often neglect their own mental health while caring for everyone else. The purpose of this study is to measure the prevalence of loneliness and associated socio-demographic factors among a subset of doctors practicing in various hospitals of Western Maharashtra. Methods: UCLA Loneliness Scale ver 3 was used to assess the prevalence of loneliness in doctors. The scale consists of 20 questions to be answered on a Likert Scale. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered online comprising of the scale and questions regarding socio-demographic factors. Score between 40-60 is considered moderately lonely and those with score between 60-80 as very lonely. Results: In this study, 423 doctors of Western Maharashtra participated. Prevalence of loneliness was 63%. 15% doctors were found to be very lonely (score 60-80) and 48% had moderate loneliness (score 40-60). Conclusion: Loneliness and isolation represent profound risks to our health and well-being. By adopting simple measures to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to build social ties in medical professionals, we can go up to meet this moment together.