Regression-based normative data for social health scale for the elderly (short version) in eastern China

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Health Assessment
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Social Health Scale for the Elderly short version (SHSE-S) is a validated tool for assessing social health in Chinese older adults.
• Establishing continuous normative data is crucial for accurate and consistent application of the SHSE-S.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish continuous normative data for the Social Health Scale for the Elderly short version (SHSE-S) in the Chinese elderly population.
• To develop a regression-based norm accounting for demographic factors to enhance the utility of the SHSE-S.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter cross-sectional study involving 6089 participants aged 60 and above across 31 communities in eastern China.
• In-person interviews using a structured questionnaire to collect SHSE-S scores and demographic data.
• Multivariable linear regression analysis and a four-step process to establish regression-based norms.

Main Results:

• The study successfully established regression-based norms for the SHSE-S, with no significant differences between generation and validation datasets.
• Key demographic factors influencing SHSE-S scores were identified: higher education and being female were positive indicators, while older age, living alone, being divorced/never married, and multimorbidity were negative indicators.
• A user-friendly worksheet was developed to aid in the scoring and norming process.

Conclusions:

• The population-based regression norm for the SHSE-S serves as a valuable tool for assessing the social health status of the elderly in China.
• This norm facilitates more accurate and context-specific interpretation of SHSE-S scores, supporting clinical and research applications.