Social networks and health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study among older adults in the Netherlands

Steijvers, Lisanne C. J.; Leeferink, Floor; Brinkhues, Stephanie; Hoebe, Christian J. P. A.; Dukers-Muijrers, Nicole H T M

doi:10.1007/s10389-023-01947-9

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 47 publications

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“…Finally, online contact (for men) was found detrimental for emotional loneliness, highlighting the value for in-person contact which was also observed in a qualitative study. (Steijvers et al, 2023) Physical contact with social network members was reduced and was (temporarily) replaced with online contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. ( Steijvers et al, 2022) Especially those who live alone were affected by these measures since online contact among individuals who live alone was in previous studies with negative emotions and loneliness.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of social network structure and function in moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness: the Dutch SaNAE study in older adults

Steijvers,

Brinkhues,

Suanet

et al. 2023

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Background. Loneliness is a serious public health problem and became even more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it is unknown which aspects of social networks are most important. Here, we evaluated social network structure and function and associations with moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness in older adults. Methods. This cross-sectional study includes online questionnaire data (SaNAE cohort, August-November 2020), in independently living Dutch adults aged 40 years and older. For the separate outcomes social and emotional loneliness, associations with structural network aspects (e.g., network diversity - having various types of relationships, and density - having network members who know each other), and functional network aspects (informational, emotional, and practical social support) were assessed and risk estimates were adjusted for the number of contacts, age, educational level, level of urbanization and chronic conditions. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were stratified by sex. Results. Of 3,396 participants (55% men; mean age 65 years), 18% were socially lonely which was associated with a less diverse and less dense network, living alone, feeling less connected to friends, not having a club membership, and fewer emotional supporters (men only) or informational supporters (women only). 28% were emotionally lonely, which was associated with being socially lonely, and more exclusively online (versus in-person) contacts (men only), and fewer emotional supporters (women only). Conclusion. Network structure and function beyond the mere number of contacts is key in loneliness, and in particular, the types of relationships are important. Public health strategies should be sex-tailored and promote network diversity and density, club membership, informational and emotional support, and in-person contact.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of social network structure and function in moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness: the Dutch SaNAE study in older adults

Steijvers,

Brinkhues,

Suanet

et al. 2023

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

The role of social network structure and function in moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness: The Dutch SaNAE study in older adults

Steijvers,

Brinkhues,

Suanet

et al. 2024

Heliyon

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Impact of COVID-19 infection on medication adherence and medication taking behavior among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study

Zhang,

Li,

Xie

et al. 2024

Asian Journal of Medical Humanities

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Objectives To explore the impact of COVID-19 infection on medication adherence among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases, and identify the medication taking behavior and its influencing factors among rural-dwelling older adults with COVID-19 infection. Methods A cross-sectional study of 111 rural-dwelling older adults was conducted from February to March 2023 in rural villages in China. Demographic and clinical characteristics, medication adherence, medication taking behavior, COVID-19 related illness perception, COVID-19 related stigma, and social network were evaluated by questionnaires. Independent-sample t test, Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. Results There was no significant difference in the medication adherence between COVID-19 infected group and non-COVID-19 infected group. For COVID-19 infected older adults, 63.93 % maintained taking medication for chronic diseases, but 32.79 % stopped taking medication during COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 related illness perception (OR=1.111, p=0.004) and social network (OR=1.156, p=0.010) correlated with the behaviors such as reducing the dose of medication or stopping taking medication during COVID-19 infection. Conclusions The COVID-19 infection has no effect on medication adherence among rural-dwelling older adults. Older adults with negative illness perception of COVID-19 and better social network were more likely to reduce or stop taking medication when they were infected with COVID-19. Thus, specific strategies to reduce negative perception about COVID-19 and strengthen social connection are warranted for rural-dwelling older adults.

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Social networks and health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study among older adults in the Netherlands

Cited by 3 publications

References 47 publications

The role of social network structure and function in moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness: the Dutch SaNAE study in older adults

The role of social network structure and function in moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness: the Dutch SaNAE study in older adults

The role of social network structure and function in moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness: The Dutch SaNAE study in older adults

Impact of COVID-19 infection on medication adherence and medication taking behavior among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study

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