IGEE Proceedings

Article

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Socioeconomic Determinants of Social Isolation Among Ghanaian Older Adults (2019–2024): Patrick Atanga Azoya, Sarah Soyeon Oh; Received January 19, 2026 Accepted February 6, 2026 Published online February 23, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2026.001 [Epub ahead of print]

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Background
Older adults in Ghana who experience socioeconomic disadvantage characterized by limited in-come, low educational attainment, inadequate housing, insecure or absent employment face obstacles to main-taining social connections, increasing their vulnerability to isolation and adverse health outcomes. Prolonged loneliness has been likened to the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes per day (Shafiq et al., 2020). This review and meta-analysis examined cross-sectional studies showing differing relationships between social isola-tion/loneliness and low socioeconomic status (SES) among Ghanaian older adults. The objective was to synthesize quantitative evidence on associations between socioeconomic factors and social isolation or loneliness among older adult populations in Ghana. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and African Journals Online (AJOL) for peer-reviewed English-language studies published from 1 January 2019 to December 2024. Eligible studies were quantitative, included Ghanaian older adults, reported associations between social isolation or loneliness and at least one socioeconomic factor, and provided extractable effect measures (OR/PR or raw counts). Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts. Data extracted covered study characteristics, exposures, outcomes, and adjusted effect estimates. We pooled odds ratios using random-effects meta-analysis (DerSi-monian–Laird) in R (meta/metafor); heterogeneity was quantified with I². Risk-of-bias visualizations were produced with robvis.
Results
Ten cross-sectional Ghanaian studies met inclusion criteria. All indicated that lower SES was associated with elevated odds of social isolation or loneliness (individual ORs 1.60–2.30). The pooled OR was 1.90 (95% CI: 1.69–2.14), indicating approximately a 90% higher likelihood of social isolation or loneliness among soci-oeconomically disadvantaged older adults. The findings suggest that aside cultural enablers, rural-urban migration effects are more severe in low-SES groups, potentially explaining the heightened ORs com-pared to global estimates.
Conclusion
Socioeconomic disadvantage is a substantial correlate of social isolation and loneliness among Ghanaian older adults. Interventions and policies addressing poverty, food insecurity, and broader socio-cultural determinants are needed to support social connectedness and healthy aging.; Summary

Review Article

Health inequalities in children: A comprehensive review: Soojin Ahn, Hae Young Kim, Jae Il Shin, Lee Smith; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(3):165-177. Published online October 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.007

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Health inequalities, defined as systematic, avoidable, and unfair differences in health outcomes between populations, pose a major challenge to public health. This review examined how socioeconomic status, geographical location, and educational attainment affect children’s physical and mental health. It also highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience less access to healthcare and a higher rate of chronic diseases compared to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Differences in geographical location also increase these gaps, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas where resources are limited. Limitations in Educational attainment also have a further impact on health by limiting opportunities for health literacy and access to services. The present review explores interventions implemented by governments, hospitals, and schools to address these disparities. While nutritional programs and hospital-based initiatives have achieved some positive progress, challenges remain due to inconsistencies in implementation and funding allocation. In particular, differences in oral health and access to cancer care highlight gaps in existing measures. To overcome these disparities, a coordinated strategy that tackles the socioeconomic determinants of health is required. Politicians, healthcare providers, and educators must work together to guarantee fair allocation of resources and services. Thus, sustained commitment to these activities is required to ensure a healthier and more equitable future for all children.; Summary

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