Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1178032
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Individuals who have com- pleted higher levels of educa- tion are less likely to be lonely than those with lower educa- tion. Educational attainment was significantly associated with loneliness, with rates of loneli- ness decreasing the higher one's level of education is. Those with a primary or lower level of education expe- rienced the highest rates of se- vere or very severe loneliness (3.3%), followed by those with a secondary level of education (2.5%), post-secondary or non- tertiary education level (1.6%). In contrast, less than one per- cent (0.8%) of tertiary-educated individuals were classified as severely or very severely lonely. Less than a quarter of universi- ty-educated people were lonely compared to 48% of those with a secondary education and 54% of those with a primary level of education. Individuals who perceive their household income to be low are also likelier to be lonely, than those who say their incomes are high or adequate. While 6% of those who say they are low- income earners said they were severely lonely, just 1% of those on an adequate income experi- ence described themselves se- verely lonely. 55% of those on a low income said they were moderately lonely, compared to 37% of those on an adequate income. Labour status was another fac- tor associated with loneliness. Retired individuals are more likely to be lonely (58.1%), compared to lower rates for those who are in employment (36.1%). Higher rates of lone- liness (48.9%) are also expe- rienced by persons otherwise not in employment – includ- ing students, persons unable to work due to illness or dis- ability, or those taking care of the house and/or family – as well as the unemployed (40%). The study makes a number of recommendations, includ- ing a call on the government to address rising cost of living rates "given the impact that fi- nancial insecurity can have on loneliness and subsequently on physical health outcomes". The study found higher lev- els of loneliness among people with a weak sense of belonging in the community (over 50%), but even those with a strong sense of belonging in their lo- cality (33%) said they experi- enced loneliness. "This could involve improving areas which lack green spaces to benefit members of the community and supporting campaigns that encourage residents to improve green spaces whilst fostering a sense of connected- ness," the study recommends. 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 OCTOBER 2019 NEWS Prevalence of loneliness Severely Moderately lonely lonely All 1.7% 41.3% Primary level of education 3.3% 53.9% Secondary 2.5% 47.6% Post-secondary 1.6% 35.5% Tertiary 0.8% 24.4% Own a house 1.6% 41% Rent 5.3% 47.4% Mortgage already paid 2.1% 25.5% Mortgage not paid 1.8% 46.7% Adequate income 1% 37.4% Low income 5.8% 54.5% Loneliness study finds strong economic correlation