Cultivating social relationships and disrupting social isolation in low‐income, high‐disparity neighbourhoods in Ohio, USA

Abstract

Social isolation undermines health. Inequities in social networks exist due to historical and contemporary practices of socioeconomic and racial segregation. Thus, lower income and minority families are less likely to have the number, strength, and variety of social connections as higher income and white families. Therefore, social isolation may contribute to inequities in health and well-being across socioeconomic and racial groups. Disrupting social isolation by strengthening social networks may be a meaningful way to equitably improve population health. In this study we aimed to better understand the factors that influence the formation and sustainment of social connections in neighbourhoods experiencing a disproportionate burden of social needs and poor health outcomes. Participants were recruited through our communityacademic partnership, Healthy Homes (HH). Healthy Homes serves families with pregnant women and/or children <6 years in two low-income, high-morbidity neighbourhoods, focusing on supporting families' needs and hopes. Between October 2016 and April 2017, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 20) with English-speaking mothers and grandmothers of children under <6 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and independently coded. After applying an a priori code list, we conducted emergent coding to identify additional themes.Themes focused on the social environment, including social connections and social isolation, among vulnerable populations in included neighbourhoods. Families want connection to one another and to resources but look to others to facilitate those connections. Families may want or need social connections but do not engage if it means sacrificing their values or sense of self-worth. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the factors that might allow us to disrupt social isolation by building relationships in communities that face social and health inequities.

Social connectedness among parents raising children in low‐income communities: An integrative review

“…Parents in all qualitative studies described their experiences of scarcity in multiple environments, which hindered their ability to participate in activities or connect with others. Furthermore, many parents described purposely having scarce connections as a form of protective avoidance due to concerns of exposing their children to detrimental social influences in communities they felt unsafe in (Bess & Doykos, 2014 ; Davison et al, 2013 ; Eastwood et al, 2014 ; Parsons et al, 2019 ). For example, one parent described protective strategies in response to harsh living environments, which in turn created disconnection: There's a lot of people that's protective over their homes and their children due to…the crime rate.…”

“…The theme of connectedness emerged from five studies (Bess & Doykos, 2014 ; Curry & Holter, 2019 ; Eastwood et al, 2014 ; Lipman et al, 2010 ; Parsons et al, 2019 ). Subthemes of connectedness include an environment of acceptance, which refers to a supportive group dynamic that allows parents to overcome distrust and build connections.…”

“…Parsons et al ( 2019 ) also noted that the shared identities or lived experiences were the building blocks for trust and connections among parents: I can tell the difference between somebody that actually has been through what I've been through, so they can actually relate to me compared to somebody that's just book smart and learned all this stuff in a book, or what they've heard on the news. (p. 8) …”

“…Parents in four studies (Bess & Doykos, 2014 ; Curry & Holter, 2019 ; Eastwood et al, 2014 ; Parsons et al, 2019 ) also described a greater sense of connection to other parents and the reciprocal support exchanged within these connections: ‘It's like a village type mentality of ‘everyone looks out for everyone else.’ Another parent supported her by stating, ‘We are eyes and ears for the other parents. It's good to have open communication because you would want the same thing coming home to you.’ (Curry & Holter, 2019 , p. 551) …”

“…I rely on these women and guys to help me (know what to do)'. (p. 551)Parents in four studies(Bess & Doykos, 2014;Curry & Holter, 2019;Eastwood et al, 2014;Parsons et al, 2019) also described a greater sense of connection to other parents and the reciprocal support exchanged within these connections: 'It's like a village type mentality of 'everyone looks out for everyone else.' Another parent supported her by stating, 'We are eyes and ears for the other parents.…”