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PubMed2001

Disability as a function of social networks and support in elderly African Americans and Whites: the Duke EPESE 1986--1992.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the association of structural and functional aspects of social relationships with change in disability, and the degree to which race modifies these associations. METHODS: Data are from a population-based sample of 4,136 African Americans and Whites aged > or = 65 living in North CAROLINA: Disability data were collected during seven consecutive yearly interviews and summarized in two outcome measures. Measures of social relationships included five measures representing network size, extent of social interaction, and specific type of relationships, as well as instrumental and emotional support. Weighted proportional odds models were fitted to model disability as a function of baseline social network and support variables, and the interaction of each variable with follow-up time. RESULTS: Network size and social interaction showed significant negative associations with disability risks, which did not vary by race, or as a function of time. Social interaction with friends was associated with a reduced risk for disability, but social interaction with children or relatives was not related to disability. Instrumental support was associated with a significantly increased disability risk, with a greater adverse effect among Whites than African AMERICANS: Emotional support was not associated with disability, but a protective effect for ADL disability was found after controlling for its intercorrelation with instrumental support. DISCUSSION: The findings provide further evidence for the role of social relationships in the disablement process, although not all types of social relationships may be equally beneficial. Furthermore, these associations may be more complex than simple causal effects. There were few racial differences in the association of social relationships with disability, with the possible exception of instrumental support, which may allude to possible sociocultural differences in the experience of instrumental support exchanges.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2005

Social network and health-related quality of life in older adults: a population-based study in Spain.

This study examined the association between social network and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults and compared this against the association between HRQL and a disabling disease such as osteoarthritis. A cross-sectional survey was done on 3600 subjects representative of the Spanish non-institutionalised population aged 60 years and over. Data were collected through home-based personal interview and physical examination. HRQL was measured with the SF-36 health questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with multiple linear regression models with adjustment for the main confounders. Of the total sample, 38.6% of subjects were unmarried, 17.6% were living alone, 4.7% saw their family seldom or never, and 2.9% saw their friends seldom or never. Unmarried status and living alone were associated with lower scores in the social and mental quality-of-life components, though statistical significance was not in general attained (p > 0.05). Seeing family members seldom or never was associated (p < 0.05) with worse scores in the following scales of SF-36 questionnaire: role-physical, body pain, general health and mental health. HRQL was lower among those who saw friends seldom or never, and the reduction in HRQL proved similar to that associated with osteoarthritis, on the physical functioning (coefficients -8.4 vs. -8.1) and general health scales (-7.8 vs. -6.6); the reduction in HRQL was even greater than that associated with osteoarthritis for other scales, such as vitality (-9.6 vs. -6.7; p > 0.05) and social functioning (-14.5 vs. -3.7; p < 0.05). We conclude that only a small proportion of Spain's elderly population lack frequent social relationships, yet low frequency of relationships with friends is associated with a decline in quality of life similar to or greater than that associated with osteoarthritis.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

[Effects of companion animals on owner's subjective well-being and social networks in Japan].

A multi-method approach was used to examine whether and how companion animals (CA) affect subjective well-being and social networks of Japanese people. In Study 1, a mail survey with a probability sample of 1250 Japanese adults over 40 years old showed that (1) female owners' attachment to CA negatively correlated with subjective well-being, and (2) although younger (under 65) CA owners had more close friends than non-owners, this tendency was reversed for those over 65. In Study 2, in-depth interviews with 27 adults showed that (1) female CA owners reported lower subjective well-being than non-owners, (2) although CA owners were generally successful in interacting with strangers through CA-related behaviors such as dog-walking, those relationships were unlikely to become close, and (3) in contrast to the owners' tendency to portray themselves in positive ways, most non-owners described CA owners negatively, such as being lonely or bad-mannered. Based on the present findings, which sharply contradict those of previous studies in the western societies, future issues are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Social network density and rehospitalization among young adult patients.

The authors interviewed 30 patients under age 40 who had been hospitalized repeatedly to determine the relationship between social network density, or the extent to which network members know one another, and rehospitalization. They found that moderate levels of network density were associated with fewer days in the hospital. Time spent in the hospital was not related to network size, and patient diagnosis was not a good predictor of hospitalization. The authors hypothesize that a moderately dense network is optimal for psychologically vulnerable individuals because it can be maintained under stress.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The view from two worlds: The convergence of social network reports between mental health clients and their ties.

Traditionally, concerns with the similarities and discrepancies between the reports of persons (or focal respondents) and their collaterals (or network ties/respondents) about the former's social support network is framed as a methodological concern. As individuals experience the devastating effects of illness, and especially as their cognitive capabilities or social perceptions may be impaired by mental health problems, these listings are seen as potentially problematic. While we share this concern, we expand the investigation of the comparison of network ties from focal and network respondents to consider the nature of differences. Using data from Wave I of the Indianapolis Network Mental Health Study, we target the "health matters" network of individuals making their first major contact with the city's largest public and voluntary facilities. Overall, we find that the networks on which "first timers" rely to discuss health matters are small, with both focal and network respondents mentioning four individuals on average. The overlap in ties mentioned is just over 2 people (or 56 percent), on average, and differ with regard to the number of friends and health care professionals mentioned. Ironically, listings are more accurate for focal respondents who have more serious mental illnesses or larger networks. The extent of overlap is lower for women focal respondents than men. In sum, while convergence is in a range considered acceptable in network studies, the substantive nature of discrepancies have interesting and important theoretical and clinical implications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Social and geographical boundaries around senior nurse and physician leaders: an application of social network analysis.

The purpose of this study was to describe the social and geographical boundaries around the networks of senior nurse executives and physician leaders and managers in acute-care hospitals in the United Kingdom. A telephone survey was conducted using standard social network methods. A random sample was drawn from a national list and repeatedly sampled until 100 respondents were interviewed. The response rate was 49.5%. Both groups tended to discuss "important professional matters" with others who were similar to themselves in terms of profession, gender, age, and seniority, with physicians being more extreme in this regard. The implication is that gaps in the network of informal ties will impede the dissemination of information and the spread of social influence between these 2 important groups. Managers (non-clinically qualified) appear to occupy a powerful "brokerage" role. Informal networks are mainly composed of local ties. The authors argue that dissemination and influence strategies that take features of the social structure into account are more likely to be successful.

Geography↗
PubMed1987

Social networks in adult life and a preliminary examination of the convoy model.

This paper examines the social support networks of older adults. Based upon the Kahn and Antonucci (1980) life course social support model, a national sample of adults aged 50 and older (N = 718) was interviewed, generating support networks consisting of an average of 8.9 members. The respondents were asked questions of the structural (e.g., age, sex, closeness, years known, proximity, and frequency of contact) and functional (number and type of supports provided and received) characteristics of their social networks. These characteristics and relationships are described in detail.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Women and abortion: attitudes, social networks, decision-making.

The results of a study of 517 women seeking abortion are presented regarding attitudes about abortion in general, feelings about the specific decision to have an abortion and the social networks utilized in the decision-making process. Areas of potential conflict related to decision-making are identified along with the implications for social work practice.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2002

Racial differences in social network experience and perceptions of benefit of arthritis treatments among New York City Medicare beneficiaries with self-reported hip and knee pain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether social network experience and perceptions of benefit of arthritis treatments influence the decision to seek diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A population-based telephone survey of 515 black and 455 white Medicare beneficiaries was conducted. Validated questionnaires adapted for use in a telephone interview were used to identify people with self-reported symptoms of hip or knee pain. Treatment history for arthritis-related pain and perceptions of benefit of treatment were also assessed. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of blacks and 31% of whites reported hip or knee pain. Forty-two percent of blacks and 65% of whites reported knowing someone who had surgery for hip or knee pain (P < 0.0001). Blacks were less likely than whites to report that surgery had helped someone they knew with hip or knee pain (not significant). CONCLUSION: Blacks know fewer people who have had surgical treatment of hip and knee pain than whites and appear to be less likely to perceive that such treatment is beneficial.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Loneliness, health and social network among elderly people--a follow-up study.

The purpose of this study is to describe and follow up the existence of experienced loneliness, subjective health and social network among elderly people during a period of 10 years. The study is based on interviews (with structured questions) with persons, aged 75 years and over, performed by trained nurses at a baseline (in 1987) and three follow-ups. Descriptive statistics (frequency) and chi2 tests were used to study significant differences of the variables experienced loneliness, subjective health, housing, satisfaction with friend contacts and having a good friend to talk to, over time. The results showed that most elderly people tended to report high satisfaction with friend contacts over the study time, despite the decrease in having a good friend to talk to. The satisfaction with social contacts was very close connected with feelings of loneliness. Therefore, a greater understanding for the meaning of having a good friend/friends to talk to (meaningful contacts) seems to be important in caring for elderly people.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Comorbidity of schizophrenia and prelingual deafness: its impact on social network structures.

BACKGROUND: Prelingually deaf persons usually gain only a rudimentary command of speech and prefer sign language to communicate within the deaf community without the handicap they experience in the hearing world. Maintaining social contact within this rather scattered community, however, requires higher degrees of social initiative and mobility. The aim of the present paper was to study the quantity and quality of social integration among a group of prelingually deaf schizophrenic patients (n = 49) and two control groups comprising prelingually deaf psychiatric but non-psychotic patients (n = 38) and hearing schizophrenic patients (n = 30), with account being taken of the special socialisation conditions of deaf persons and of their cultural standards and values. METHOD: Data were collected with the help of semi-structured interviews; with the deaf patients these were conducted in German sign language. Using rating procedures we assessed seven social support components, selected items from a history schedule for schizophrenia, and the probands' visual and verbal language skills. RESULTS: The social networks of the two deaf groups were found to have larger gaps than those of the hearing schizophrenic patients, with significant differences being registered most clearly in the comparison between deaf schizophrenic and hearing schizophrenic patients. Comparison of the verbal and visual language skills of the two deaf groups revealed a substantial deficit among the deaf schizophrenics. Visual language skills were found to correlate more strongly than verbal language skills with the social support components. CONCLUSION: Prelingual deafness has a strong impact on the course of schizophrenia. In the long run, many of these patients belong to a "minority within a minority".

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The roles staff play in the social networks of elderly institutionalized people.

This paper concerns different ways in which nursing home residents interpret their relationships with institution staff. The research on which it is based involved an anthropological social network analysis. Analysis revealed different patterns of resident-staff interaction that are described in relation to four types of personal networks. Their meaning is interpreted in terms of the tensions between residents' common needs for attachment and autonomy and their limited means to achieve satisfaction.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Social network constellation and sexuality of sexually abused and comparison girls in childhood and adolescence.

This longitudinal study examines how childhood and early adolescent (age 6 to 15) peer and nonpeer social networks relate to sexual attitudes and behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood (age 12 to 25) for sexually abused and comparison girls. A large number of male peers in childhood is related to heightened sexual activity, sexual preoccupation, increased sexual pressure, and risky sexual behavior in adolescence. High-quality, female, nonpeer relationships have a positive effect on attitudes toward casual sex. Multiple group models illuminate several cross-lag group moderators: (a) Abused girls who are happier with male nonpeers are less preoccupied with sex; (b) abused girls who are happier with male peers are more likely to use birth control; and (c) abused girls who have early physical relationships are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Treatment implications include monitoring the effects of low-status peer groups, encouraging contact with female role models, and encouraging the formation of high-quality relationships with male peers and nonpeers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Importance of extremists for the structure of social networks.

The structure and the properties of complex networks essentially depend on the way nodes get connected to each other. We assume here that each node has a feature which attracts the others. We model the situation by assigning two numbers to each node, omega and alpha, where omega indicates some property of the node and alpha the affinity towards that property. A node A is more likely to establish a connection with a node B if B has a high value of omega and A has a high value of alpha. Simple computer simulations show that networks built according to this principle have a degree distribution with a power-law tail, whose exponent is determined only by the nodes with the largest value of the affinity alpha (the "extremists"). This means that the extremists lead the formation process of the network and manage to shape the final topology of the system. The latter phenomenon may have implications in the study of social networks and in epidemiology.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

[Social environment and social network: extent and resources of the daily life of elderly persons].

The study asks for factors determining the activity space of the aged. Indicators of old people's activities space are the number of their outdoor activities and their use of the local supply of public facilities. Controversial hypothesis are won from ecological gerontology and psychological attachment theory. At issue in the first place is how personal social networks mold older people's outdoor behavior. Another hypothesis assumes social support of the elderly to be exposed to the laws of reciprocity. The study makes use of a poll titled "life-organization of older people" that was conducted by the German Youth Institute in 1993. Respondents were German 55- to 79-year-olds (N = 4130). Analyses rely on multifactorial analyses of variance. Results back attachment theory and the reciprocity thesis.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gender, social networks and survival time: a 20-year study of the rural elderly.

The study design is a 20-year panel of 1700 rural elderly individuals who were interviewed in 1966, 1974 and in 1986-1987. The dependent variable was survival time. Proportional hazards and time dependent covariates were used to analyze the data. Gender differences in survival were explored. Participation in formal social networks predicted survival time. The findings support Durkheim's theory of social integration and call into question genetic differences as the explanation for the differential survival time of men and women.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

Social networks, information-seeking, and the utilization of services.

Voluntary participation by low-income and/ar high-risk populations in prevention-oriented human service programs is minimal and dropout rates are high. Examination of social networks as they relate to information-seeking and utilization behavior may provide a source of understanding. Two investigations are reported. The results of Study 1 indicate that high-risk referred women with denser networks attended fewer parent group sessions than did those whose networks were less dense and that the more contact a woman had with her kin, the fewer parent group sessions she attended. The results of Study 2 indicate that in a sample of low-income women participating in a supplementary food program, those women whose networks were characterized by lower density and less frequent kin contact were more likely to pursue professional child-rearing information and advice than women in denser, more kin-involved networks. In addition, a significant interaction between one's sense of competence as a parent and the structure of one's network was found to determine the overall frequency of information seeking.

Female↗
PubMed2006

Awareness of hormonal emergency contraception among married women in a Kuwaiti family social network.

OBJECTIVE: Awareness and use of hormonal emergency contraception are not known in the Arab world. This study investigated awareness and perceptions of hormonal emergency contraception among women within a Kuwaiti extended family and their social contacts. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to 66 married women within a Kuwaiti family's social network. The questionnaire provided a short explanation of hormonal emergency contraception and then elicited the respondent's prior awareness, concerns and perception on future availability. RESULTS: The mean (S.D.) age of the respondents was 35.1 (6.3) years. Over 30% were currently using oral contraceptives; 28% were using no contraceptive method. Four women (6.1%) had heard of hormonal emergency contraception before, one had used it. Most respondents (65.2%) would not use or inform a friend about hormonal emergency contraception. Main concerns were risks to the health of the woman (83.3%) or the baby (54.5%) or that it was abortifacient (21.2%). However, 90.9% of respondents wanted hormonal emergency contraception to be available. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of hormonal emergency contraception is low among Kuwaiti women. Despite some concerns, they feel it should be made available. Health care providers and policymakers should address this situation.

Adult↗