Prevalence and predictors of loneliness among university students: A cross-sectional study

Loneliness is recognized as a significant public health concern among university students, with potential implications for their physical and mental well-being, as well as their academic performance. However, the research on loneliness among university students in Bangladesh after COVID-19 pandemic is not available. This study aimed to find out how often university students in Bangladesh feel lonely and what factors contribute to it. The cross-sectional study was conducted from January 01 to February 29, 2024. Data was collected from 400 Rajshahi university students; they were selected by two-stage random sampling. We used the logistic regression model to find the predictors of loneliness, considering a p-value of less 0.05 as statistically significant. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software, version 22.0. This study raveled that more than 22% of university students were suffering from loneliness. The logistic regression model demonstrated that (i) younger (age ≤ 21years) [AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.05-3.17; p < 0.05], (ii) both underweight [AOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.26-4.28; p < 0.01] and overweight [AOR = 2.74, 95%CI:1.27-5.92], (iii) living in nuclear family [AOR = 2.02, 95%CI:1.05-3.90] and (iv) students coming from poor family (family income<15,000 BDT) [AOR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.05-4.17; p < 0.05] were more in risk to experience loneliness compared to their counterparts. The study finds that a remarkable number of university students are suffering from loneliness and has identified some modifiable predictors of the problem. The predictors provide valuable insights for reducing loneliness among university students. It is urgent for university authorities and policymakers of the country to improve policy for reducing loneliness among adult students.