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Dehghankar L, Valinezhad S, Amerzadeh M, Zarabadi Poor F, Hosseinkhani Z, Motalebi SA. Relationship between perceived social support and disability with the mediating role of perceived stress among older adults. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:276. [PMID: 38509480 PMCID: PMC10956299 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social support is essential for individuals to cope with difficult circumstances. Older adults with disabilities face significant challenges in engaging with everyday activities. The current study examines the mediating role of perceived stress in the association between perceived social support and disability among Iranian community-dwelling older adults. METHODS In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 300 older adults were selected using cluster sampling from January to June 2022. The data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2), and the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14). The collected data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in Mplus. RESULTS The mean age of older adults was 68.71 ± 6.13 years, ranging from 60 to 85 years old. The results of this study revealed a significant relationship between perceived social support and disability (β=-0.20, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001) and perceived stress and disability (β = 0.50, SE = 0.05, p < 0.001). The results also confirmed the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between perceived social support and disability (β=-0.17, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The results indicated that increasing social support could reduce disability by decreasing perceived stress. These results have important implications for policymakers and healthcare professionals in promoting healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Dehghankar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Saman Valinezhad
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amerzadeh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Zarabadi Poor
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseinkhani
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Ameneh Motalebi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
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Ekoh PC, Iwuagwu AO, George EO, Walsh CA. Forced migration-induced diminished social networks and support, and its impact on the emotional wellbeing of older refugees in Western countries: A scoping review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 105:104839. [PMID: 36343437 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As the number of refugees continues to increase globally, so does the number of older adults forced to migrate from their home region to Western countries. Many of these older refugees lose their social networks and support to the events leading to forced migration and may be unable to recreate them once resettled. We used Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework to explore how forced migration has diminished the social networks and support of older refugees in Western countries and its impact on their emotional well-being. Eight databases were searched for the review; abstracts were reviewed using Rayyan QCRi(c) before the full-text review. A total of 25 studies were included in the final analysis, and findings revealed that forced migration reduced the quantity of social networks and the quality of social support older refugees received. The reduced social network and support led to social isolation, increased migration-related grief, and mental health challenges. Advances in digital technology are not yet capable of filling the support gap. With this, we hope to inform future research on the social support needs of older refugees and raise awareness of the need for humanitarian support intervention to cushion the impact of the migration-induced loss of social networks and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Chiagozie Ekoh
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
| | | | - Elizabeth Onyedikachi George
- Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Centre of Diaconia and Professional Practice, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
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Coping With Disasters and Pandemics Through Experience and Community: How African American Older Adults Navigate Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e291. [PMID: 36594253 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies have reported that minorities are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Few studies have elucidated the lived experiences of African American older adults, and the resiliency displayed in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters. METHODS This study used 4 recorded focus groups with 26 African American older adults who have spent most of their lives living in Houston, Texas to assess safety, economic, and health concerns related to the pandemic and similarities or differences with other types of disasters that are specific to Houston/ the Gulf Region of Texas, such as Hurricane Harvey. RESULTS Key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: 1) previous disasters provided important coping and preparation skills, although each occurrence was still a major stressor, 2) while telehealth was a significant benefit, regular health maintenance and chronic disease management were not completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, 3) information from the federal and state authorities were inconsistent and spurred fear and anxiety, 4) participants experienced few to no disruptions to their income but were heavily called on to support family members, and 5) participants experienced anxiety and isolation, but many used existing social connections to cope. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate how African American older adults navigate disaster response and recovery through experience and community. Providing unambiguous information to older adults could prove useful in preparing for future disaster events and coping with disasters.
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Mızrak S, Turan M. Effect of individual characteristics, risk perception, self-efficacy and social support on willingness to relocate due to floods and landslides. NATURAL HAZARDS (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 116:1615-1637. [PMID: 36474522 PMCID: PMC9716163 DOI: 10.1007/s11069-022-05731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
People may have to leave their home, environment, region and country because of disasters or disaster risks. Effective and efficient disaster risk reduction activities involving the community can reduce disaster risks and enable people to reside more safely and peacefully in their environment. The objective of this study was to investigate whether individual characteristics, risk perception, self-efficacy and perceived social support were correlated with the willingness to relocate due to floods and landslides. The data were collected from 947 people residing in Gümüşhane Province (Türkiye) using a survey. In the study, a total of ten models were tested with the help of ordinal logistic regression analysis. Consequently, the participants' willingness to relocate due to landslides was determined to be higher than the willingness to relocate due to floods. University students and people with chronic diseases and flood and landslide experiences had a greater willingness to relocate. Residence duration and informal social support were negatively correlated with relocation willingness. Those who believed that they could protect themselves in the event of a flood and landslide were more likely to relocate. Among risk perceptions, probability increased relocation willingness mostly due to floods, while fear increased relocation willingness mostly due to landslides. This study attempted to provide policy makers and scientists insight into disaster risk reduction and disaster risk communication related to relocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefa Mızrak
- Department of Emergency Aid and Disaster Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gümüşhane University, Gümüşhane, Turkey
| | - Melikşah Turan
- Department of Emergency Aid and Disaster Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Weissberger G, Bergman YS. The association between subjective age and financial exploitation vulnerability among older adults: The moderating role of social support. J Elder Abuse Negl 2022; 34:314-324. [PMID: 35920779 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2022.2108181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Financial exploitation of older adults bears detrimental physical and psychological consequences. However, risk factors of financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) remain elusive. In line with a growing awareness of the importance of subjective perceptions of the aging process for older adults' functioning and well-being, this study examined the connection between subjective age (feeling younger/older than one's chronological age) and FEV, and the moderating effect of social support on this connection. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 137 Israeli older adults (age range 60-89, M = 69.90, SD = 6.85), who completed scales of FEV, subjective age, and social support, as well as relevant socio-demographic information. Older subjective age was associated with increased FEV when social support was low, but not when social support was high. Results are discussed in line with Socio-Emotional Selectivity Theory and provide initial information pertaining to the relevance of subjective age perceptions to FEV in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Weissberger
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yoav S Bergman
- Faculty of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
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Influence of social participation and support on self-rated health among Chinese older adults: Mediating role of coping strategies. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Li Y, Peng J, Tao Y. Relationship between social support, coping strategy against COVID-19, and anxiety among home-quarantined Chinese university students: A path analysis modeling approach. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:10629-10644. [PMID: 34629830 PMCID: PMC8487756 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
With the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict implementation of quarantine policy, the levels of anxiety among university students surged in the lockdown period. Previous studies confirmed the effectiveness of social support in mitigating anxiety, so offering social support should be of high priority in COVID-19, especially in quarantine. However, various coping strategies against the pandemic may explain the link between social support and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of social support, coping strategy against COVID-19, and anxiety, identifying the potential mediating effect of coping strategy between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 quarantine. Home-quarantined Chinese university students (N = 2640; 68.79% female) completed online ratings of social support, coping, and anxiety from February 21st to 24th, 2020, when they had been confined to their homes in the peak of the pandemic. Sex and academic attainment being covariates, path analysis with parallel mediation were conducted using "lavaan" package in R environment. Anxiety was significantly negatively related to subjective support and counselor support, while family support did not demonstrate substantive associations with anxiety. The mediating role of cognitive coping was found between all the three social support sources and anxiety. Emotional coping and behavioral coping were found to partially mediate the relationship between subjective support and anxiety, fully mediate the associations of family support and anxiety. However, the impact of counselor support on anxiety was not found to be mediated by emotional coping and behavioral coping. This large-scale online study provides initial evidence that various coping strategies may mediate the relationship between three sources of social support and anxiety in quarantine to some extent. Given that coping against COVID-19 is a valuable reasearch goal upon the global ongoing challenge, the findings will shed more light on the mechanism in the link between coping, social support, and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Division of Art, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Education, City University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Jun Peng
- School of Education, City University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yanqiang Tao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Ekoh PC, Agbawodikeizu PU, George EO, Ezulike CD, Okoye UO. More invisible and vulnerable: the impact of COVID-19 on older persons in displacement in Durumi IDP camp Abuja, Nigeria. QUALITY IN AGEING AND OLDER ADULTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-10-2020-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further intensified the vulnerability of older persons in displacement and rendered them more unseen. This study aims at exploring the impact of COVID-19 on older people in displacement.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained using semi-structured interviews from 12 older persons at Durumi IDP camp Abuja, while observing strict infection control measures. The data were inductively coded with Nvivo and analysed thematically.
Findings
Findings revealed that the economic and psychosocial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased older persons in displacement poverty, psychological stress and placed them at risk of ageism, social isolation and may subsequently lead to secondary displacement, thereby losing all progress, development and resilience built after initial displacement.
Social implications
This paper concluded by encouraging the need for all stakeholders to pay more attention to this invisible yet vulnerable group to ensure no one is left behind as people fight through this pandemic and its social implications.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the impact of COVID-19 on older people in displacement in Nigeria. This is because they have been relatively invisible to research endeavours.
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Changes in family structures and roles, and its impact on older people in displacement in Abuja, Nigeria. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12062-021-09332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mediating Effects of Risk Perception on Association between Social Support and Coping with COVID-19: An Online Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041550. [PMID: 33561974 PMCID: PMC7915796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease which has had a great impact on the public. Further investigations are, therefore, needed to investigate how the public copes with COVID-19. This study aimed to develop a model to estimate the mediating effects of risk perception and confidence on the association between perceived social support and active coping with the COVID-19 pandemic among people in Taiwan. The data of 1970 participants recruited from a Facebook advertisement were analyzed. Perceived social support, active coping with COVID-19, risk perception and confidence were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the direct and indirect effects between variables. The mediation model demonstrated that lower perceived social support was significantly associated with a higher level of active coping with COVID-19, and this was mediated by a higher level of risk perception. The present study identified the importance of risk perception on the public’s coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Rural place attachment and urban community integration of Chinese older adults in rural-to-urban relocation. AGEING & SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x20001464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
With China's rapid urbanisation, many residents, especially older adults, are suffering from psychological problems induced by rural-to-urban relocation. This study examines the association between older adults’ rural place attachment and their depression after relocation, as well as the protective roles of neighbourhood social cohesion and sense of community in the relocation place. Chinese older adults (N = 224) who relocated from rural villages to urban communities completed a survey for this study. The results showed that older adults with stronger rural place attachment experienced more depressive symptoms and a lesser sense of community in the relocation place. In addition, the association between rural place attachment and depression was weakened by neighbourhood social cohesion. That is, compared with older adults perceiving low neighbourhood social cohesion, the positive association between rural place attachment and depression was weaker for older adults perceiving high neighbourhood social cohesion. Furthermore, neighbourhood social cohesion's protective role depended on sense of community. In particular, neighbourhood social cohesion buffered the association between rural place attachment and depression for older adults with a strong sense of community but not for older adults with a weak sense of community. These results have implications for developing resources within neighbourhoods and communities to promote relocation adjustment for older adults.
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Older Adults and Social Support in a Disaster Context: Did Relocation Matter for Access to Social Network Resources After the 2015 South Carolina Flood? Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2019; 15:50-57. [PMID: 31787118 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2019.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine social network characteristics and social support (emotional and instrumental support) and to determine how those factors differed between relocating older adults and nonrelocating older adults who were affected by the 2015 flood in South Carolina. METHODS Twenty-five community-dwelling elderly (CDE) were interviewed between December 2015 and May 2016 to learn about their experiences in the immediate aftermath of the flood. Ego-centric network data were collected with a focus on social network members and the types of flood-related support that these network members provided. RESULTS Ten of 25 CDE relocated because of the flood. All CDE were more likely to receive social support from female network members and family members than from other acquaintances. Relocating CDE received significantly less emotional support in comparison to nonrelocating CDE. The odds of receiving instrumental support were higher, but nonsignificant, among relocating CDE in comparison to nonrelocating CDE. CONCLUSIONS The findings around the support provision are concerning particularly because of the additional psychological burden that relocation can place on flood-affected, older adults. Recommendations for public health preparedness strategies are provided in addition to future research directions for examining the well-being of flood-affected, older adults.
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Chen L, Alston M, Guo W. The influence of social support on loneliness and depression among older elderly people in China: Coping styles as mediators. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:1235-1245. [PMID: 30912159 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the direct effect of social support and the mediating effects of coping styles on loneliness and depression of older elderly people in China using data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Our sample includes 905 males and 741 females aged 75 years and over. The mean age of the sample is 79.71 (standard deviation = 4.01). We use structural equation modeling to show that social support is significantly negatively associated with the incidence of loneliness and depression among older elderly people. Higher levels of social support are also significantly negatively associated with the use of negative coping styles and consequently predict fewer symptoms of loneliness and depression. A higher level of social support is significantly positively associated with positive coping styles and consequently predicts fewer depressive symptoms. However, positive coping styles are not significantly associated with loneliness. These findings emphasize the importance of social networks in resilience and have significant implications for gerontological social work practice in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Chen
- Department of Law, College of Political Science and Law, Heze University, Heze, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Max Alston
- The Reserve Bank of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- The Centre for Asia-Pacific Development Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Kusmaul N, Gibson A, Leedahl SN. Gerontological Social Work Roles in Disaster Preparedness and Response. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2018; 61:692-696. [PMID: 30138042 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2018.1510455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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