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Association between social network and functional disability in brazilian elderly
Danielle Samara Tavares de Oliveira-Figueiredo1, Mariana Santos Felisbino-Mendes2, Gustavo Velasquez-Melendez2
1Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Cuité, Paraíba, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira De Enfermagem
|June 23, 2021
Summary
Elderly individuals with fewer social connections face a higher risk of functional disability. Strengthening social networks can help mitigate this risk, particularly for women.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Social isolation is a growing concern among the elderly population.
- Functional disability significantly impacts the quality of life and independence of older adults.
- Understanding the interplay between social networks and functional status is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between social network components and functional disability in elderly Brazilians.
- To identify specific aspects of social networks that may protect against functional decline.
- To explore potential sex-based differences in this association.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing secondary data from 11,177 elderly individuals in Brazil.
- Social network was assessed through indicators like having trusted contacts, cohabitation, social activities, and employment.
- Functional disability was measured by difficulties in instrumental and basic activities of daily living, analyzed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of disability was 28.0% for instrumental activities and 15.5% for basic activities.
- Lack of social network components was significantly associated with increased odds of functional disability.
- This association was particularly pronounced among women.
Conclusions:
- A clear association exists between diminished social network components and functional disability in the elderly.
- The relationship between social networks and functional disability is moderated by sex.
- Interventions aimed at expanding social networks may reduce the incidence of functional disability among older adults.
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