tjph

Turkish Journal of Public Health

1304-1088

Halk Sağlığı Uzmanları Derneği

10.20518/tjph.1689303

Social Determinants of Health

Sağlığın Sosyal Belirleyicileri

The prevalence of loneliness amongst medical students a systematic review and meta-analysis

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9639-7878

Looi

Zhi Shawn

Monash University Malaysia

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3477-3535

Tze Ling

Kueh

Monash University Malaysia

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4954-9077

Rajadurai

Srinikkitan

Monash University Malaysia

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9835-6798

Yee

Anne

Monash University Malaysia

04 06 2026

1 05 04 2025 11 29 2025

2003

Turkish Journal of Public Health

This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of loneliness among medical students and to identify associated factors. Relevant articles were identified and extracted from five electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycNet, and Ovid Medline, covering the period from 20 The search strategy employed the keywords “((Medical students OR Medical undergraduates) AND Loneliness).” The methodological quality of the included prevalence studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of loneliness among medical students. Nine studies was included in the meta-analysis with the pooled proportion of 42.7% (95% CI: 32.4 to 53.3%) was concluded. 19 studies were conducted for associated factors including age, screentime, academics, exercise, support, gender, COVID-19, personality, financial situation, stress, depression and sleep quality. The systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that nearly half of the medical students experience loneliness, highlighting it as a significant concern for student well-being. Factors influencing its prevalence include gender, academic stress, and various psychosocial determinants.

Medical Students Loneliness Meta-Analysis Prevalence

Monash University Malaysia

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