A Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence Used to Predict Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Drug Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Alani Torres,1,* Melina Wenke,1,* Cristian Lieneck,1,* Zo Ramamonjiarivelo,1,* Arzu Ari2,* 1School of Health Administration; Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA; 2College of Health Professions; Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Cristian Lieneck, Email clieneck@txstate.eduAbstract: This systematic literature review evaluates the role of machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and social determinants of health (SDOH) in identifying loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining various studies and articles through a comprehensive search of databases EBSCOhost, Medline Complete, Academic Search Complete, Directory of Open Access Journals, and Complementary Index, the research team sought to discern consistent themes and patterns. We identified four constructs central to understanding the impact of the pandemic on societal well-being: (1) the prediction of compliance with COVID-19 measures, (2) the prediction of loneliness and its effects, (3) the prediction of well-being and social inclusion, and (4) the prediction of drug use. Within these constructs, prevalent themes related to opioid overdose, stress levels, mental health, well-being, and cognitive decline emerged. The adherence to the PRISMA 2020 checklist has resulted in a PRISMA flow diagram that categorizes the selected literature. The findings of this review, including the proportion of studies predicting various attributes related to loneliness, demonstrate the critical intersections between machine learning, AI, SDOH, and the psychosocial phenomenon of loneliness amidst a global health crisis. The review results provide a summary of the occurrences and predictive percentages of each construct as determined by the literature, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the pandemic’s multifaceted impact on loneliness, social isolation, and drug use. Using AI to predict these constructs has remarkable capabilities in identifying individuals at risk and facilitating timely interventions to mitigate adverse outcomes and promote mental health resilience in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, future research is warranted to refine AI algorithms, validate predictive models and utilize AI-based interventions in healthcare and mental health services while ensuring data security, and individuals’ privacy.Keywords: loneliness, social isolation, drug use, COVID-19, pandemic, social déterminants of health, artificial intelligence and machine learning