Effectiveness and recommendation strategies for videoconference-based interventions to alleviate social isolation and loneliness in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

초록

Objective: To summarize and update the current knowledge regarding the effectiveness of videoconferencebased interventions in alleviating loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases was performed in February 2024. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, risk bias assessment, and data extraction. Results: Ten studies with 1034 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that interventions had a significantly small-to-medium effect on enhancing social support (SMD=0.40, CI=0.13 to 0.66) small effect on reducing loneliness (SMD=-0.30, CI=-0.50 to-0.10) and depressive symptoms (SMD=-0.34, CI=-0.57 to-0.11). The subgroup analysis showed that familial interaction was identified as a significant intervention component for loneliness, whereas intervention by trained experts was pivotal for depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This review provides robust evidence from a comprehensive perspective that videoconferencebased interventions can be effectively applied as a strategic approach to manage mental health in older adults. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

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