THE HIDDEN HEART COST OF LONELINESS: NURSING STRATEGIES FOR CARDIOVASCULAR RISK - Nova Langingi; Grace F. Kaparang; Michelle Sambuaga (JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND SOCIAL RESEARCH, 2026)
Abstract: Loneliness is a subjective lack of satisfying relationships, whereas social isolation is an objective limitation in social contact or network availability. This rapid systematic review synthesized evidence published from 2021 to 5 July 2026 on loneliness, social isolation, cardiovascular outcomes, and nursing interventions. Searches included PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed Central, publisher records, and citation tracking. Adult studies were reported using PRISMA 2020 principles and appraised with JBI tools. Of 34 candidates, five were excluded and 29 studies were narratively synthesized. Evidence linked loneliness and social isolation with cardiovascular disease incidence, heart failure, mortality, poorer adaptation, and impaired self-management, although measures and adjustment varied. Repeated or persistent social disconnection may be more informative than one-time assessment. Psychological, social-contact, home-based, telephone, and digital interventions may improve loneliness, but evidence for reducing major cardiovascular events remains insufficient. Nurses should screen both constructs, integrate findings into cardiovascular care, coordinate referrals, support rehabilitation, and monitor clinical outcomes. Keywords: Loneliness; social isolation; cardiovascular disease; nursing; cardiovascular risk. Abstrak: Kesepian merupakan pengalaman subjektif berupa kurangnya hubungan yang memuaskan, sedangkan isolasi sosial adalah keterbatasan objektif dalam kontak sosial atau ketersediaan jaringan sosial. Tinjauan sistematis cepat ini menyintesis bukti yang dipublikasikan dari tahun 2021 hingga 5 Juli 2026 mengenai kesepian, isolasi sosial, luaran kardiovaskular, dan intervensi keperawatan. Pencarian dilakukan melalui PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed Central, catatan penerbit, dan penelusuran sitasi. Studi pada populasi dewasa dilaporkan berdasarkan prinsip PRISMA 2020 dan dinilai menggunakan instrumen JBI. Dari 34 artikel kandidat, lima dikeluarkan dan 29 studi disintesis secara naratif. Bukti menunjukkan bahwa kesepian dan isolasi sosial berkaitan dengan kejadian penyakit kardiovaskular, gagal jantung, mortalitas, adaptasi yang lebih buruk, dan gangguan manajemen diri, meskipun terdapat variasi dalam pengukuran dan penyesuaian faktor perancu. Keterputusan sosial yang berulang atau menetap mungkin lebih informatif dibandingkan penilaian satu kali. Intervensi psikologis, kontak sosial, layanan berbasis rumah, telepon, dan digital dapat mengurangi kesepian, tetapi bukti mengenai penurunan kejadian kardiovaskular mayor masih belum memadai. Perawat perlu melakukan skrining terhadap kedua kondisi tersebut, mengintegrasikan hasilnya ke dalam perawatan kardiovaskular, mengoordinasikan rujukan, mendukung rehabilitasi, dan memantau luaran klinis. Kata kunci: Kesepian; isolasi sosial; penyakit kardiovaskular; keperawatan; risiko kardiovaskular