Exploring Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Loneliness Among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

Loneliness among older adults is a significant public health concern, with evidence highlighting its negative impact on physical and mental health. This study examined healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding loneliness among older adults in primary healthcare settings. Sixteen healthcare providers from the Palestinian minority participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Key sub-themes emerged within each KAP domain. In the knowledge domain, most participants demonstrated a basic understanding of loneliness. The attitudes domain highlighted the central role of family in loneliness. In the practice domain, participants described various approaches to addressing loneliness, though efforts were largely individual due to limited resources in primary care clinics. The findings reveal both strengths and gaps, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive, structured interventions, enhanced institutional support, and targeted training to integrate loneliness assessment and management into primary care more effectively.