Latent class analysis and determinants of social isolation among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with...

To identify latent classes of social isolation among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with multimorbidity and examine their associated determinants, aiming to inform clinical practice.

Data were obtained from the 2020 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Assessments included a general information questionnaire, the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index, the 10-item Flow Center Depression Self-Rating Scale, and the Activities of Daily Living Scale. Latent class analysis was used to identify categories of social isolation, and univariate as well as multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the influencing factors.

A total of 2407 participants were included in the analysis. Two latent classes of social isolation were identified: an "active-low social isolation" group and an "isolated-high social isolation" group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that being aged ≥60 years, with impaired daily functioning, retirement status, rural residence, primary or junior high school education, and no alcohol consumption were significantly associated with membership in the isolated-high social isolation group (P < 0.05).

Two distinct latent classes of social isolation were identified among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with multimorbidity. Nursing professionals should prioritize the identification of high-risk groups and implement targeted interventions to prevent and mitigate social isolation.