Promote awareness of the importance of social connection

Confidence

Quality of Evidence

The evidence supporting the promotion of social connection at the community level is of mixed quality. Research consistently shows that social connection is a key determinant of public health, contributing to reduced rates of mental illness, lower mortality, and improved community wellbeing. On the other, very little research has been undertaken to evaluate the impact of promoting social connections through formal public health efforts. However, generally speaking, there is a strong evidence base supporting health behaviour change through health promotion efforts for other behaviours. However, the majority of these are observational studies or experimental designs with limited follow-up periods. As such, there is a need for research to confirm that health promotion efforts to raise awareness of the importance of social connection are indeed effective – particularly for individuals and populations who might be at elevated risk for loneliness, isolation, and social exclusion.

Balance of Benefits and Harms

The balance of benefits versus harms of promoting awareness of social connection at the community level is strongly in favor of benefits. Increasing awareness of social connection's importance can lead to more supportive community environments, reduced social isolation, and greater collective resilience. The potential harms, such as the allocation of resources away from other priorities or the risk of superficial or poorly implemented initiatives, are generally minimal and can be mitigated by thoughtful planning and collaboration. In fact, building social connections can help achieve other goals, reducing the overall costs of investments. As such, the guideline’s emphasis on a multi-faceted approach, including health promotion, education, and training, helps ensure that efforts are comprehensive and effective.

Alignment with Values and Preferences

This guideline aligns well with the values and preferences of communities that prioritize public health, social wellbeing, and inclusive community development. Promoting awareness of social connection is likely to resonate with stakeholders across different sectors, including healthcare, education, and local government. While some communities may have other immediate priorities, the guideline’s flexibility allows for integration with existing programs and initiatives, making it highly acceptable across diverse contexts. Furthermore, some communities may be skeptical of formal investments in public health promotion of social connection. However, given the variety of organizations that can be involved and the potential for formative community consultations, we do not feel these barriers are insurmountable.

Feasibility

The feasibility of promoting awareness of social connection at the community level is moderate. While most organizations and communities recognize the importance of social connection, practical challenges such as resource limitations, competing priorities, and the need for collaboration across sectors may pose barriers. However, the guideline provides a broad framework that can be adapted to local needs and capacities, including leveraging existing networks and programs. This increases the feasibility of implementing awareness campaigns and educational initiatives that promote social connection.

Certainty of Recommendation

Based on our assessment of the above criteria, we are confident that promoting awareness about the importance of social connection is important. Our primary reservations relate to the effectiveness of various health promotion efforts in influencing health behaviours. Nevertheless, we believe the likelihood that additional information or evidence would cause us to reverse this recommendation is low. Future research is likely to inform the best behavioural health strategies for promoting awareness and action on social connection.

Overall Assessment

The overall rating for this guideline is Strong Recommendation, Moderate Quality of Evidence.