Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Social networks and health-related quality of life: a population based study among older adults
Katia Gallegos-Carrillo1, Jyoti Mudgal, Sergio Sánchez-García
1Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General Regional, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
Objective:
To examine the relationship between components of social networks and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults with and without depressive symptoms.
Material And Methods:
Comparative cross-sectional study with data from the cohort study 'Integral Study of Depression', carried out in Mexico City during 2004. The sample was selected through a multi-stage probability design. HRQL was measured with the SF-36. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Short Anxiety Screening Test (SAST) determined depressive symptoms and anxiety. T-test and multiple linear regressions were conducted.
Results:
Older adults with depressive symptoms had the lowest scores in all HRQL scales. A larger network of close relatives and friends was associated with better HRQL on several scales. Living alone did not significantly affect HRQL level, in either the study or comparison group.
Conclusions:
A positive association between some components of social networks and good HRQL exists even in older adults with depressive symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Relationship Formation
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Dimensions of Health and Illness
Longitudinal Research
Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...