Abstract / Summary
This study examined associations between social relationships, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health (SRH) among adults living alone in South Korea. Data from 44,168 adults living alone who participated in the 2025 Korea Community Health Survey were analyzed using complex-samples logistic regression. Social relationships included contact frequency with family members or relatives, neighbors, and friends and neighborhood trust. Depressive symptoms were defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 10. The weighted prevalence of depressive symptoms was 6.9%, and that of poor SRH was 22.5%. Compared with contact four or more times per week, family or relative contact less than once per month was associated with depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.31–1.72) and poor SRH (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.17–1.41). Corresponding associations for infrequent friend contact were stronger (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.75–2.34; aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.63–1.93, respectively). Lack of neighborhood trust was also associated with both outcomes. These findings suggest that specific social relationships, particularly friendships, are relevant to mental and perceived health among adults living alone.