Social frailty and associated factors among community-dwelling Iranian older adults

Social frailty is defined as the risk of losing the necessary resources to meet basic social needs. This study aimed to assess social frailty and its associated factors in older adults in Kashan in 2023. In this cross-sectional study, 250 older adults were selected through multistage random sampling from comprehensive health centers. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, abbreviated mental test, social frailty scale, Lubben social network scale, and a specific quality of life scale. Data were analyzed using Jamovi v.2.3.28. Associated factors were identified using independent t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. The mean social frailty score was 1.244 (± 1.345), and it was estimated to be 1.077-1.411 (on a scale of 0-6) in the community. Additionally, 65.2% of participants had at least one component of social frailty. Standard multiple linear regression showed that five variables were independently associated with social frailty: social isolation, quality of life, housing type, health insurance coverage, and age (F = 9.834, p < 0.001). These variables explained 40.3% of the observed variance. This study highlights the social frailty of older adults covered by comprehensive health centers. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether implementing programs targeting these associated factors could potentially reduce the risk of social frailty among older adults in Iran.