Perceived social isolation, social disconnectedness and falls: The mediating role of depression.

TitlePerceived social isolation, social disconnectedness and falls: The mediating role of depression.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsQuach, L, Burr, JA
JournalAging & Mental Health
Date Published03/2020
Type of ArticleJournal
ISSN Number1360-7863
KeywordsLoneliness, Mental Health, population-based study, Social Relationships
Abstract

Objectives: to estimate the association of social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation with the risk of falls and also investigate whether depression mediated this association.Method: Biennial longitudinal survey data from 2006 to 2012 waves of the U.S. Health and Retirement Study of adults aged 65 and older (N = 22,153 observations) were examined. The outcome variable was number of self-reported falls over the observation period. Independent variables included social isolation (social disconnectedness, perceived social isolation) and number of depressive symptoms. Generalized Estimating Equation regressions were performed to address the research questions.Results: Regression models indicated that social disconnectedness is associated with a 5% increase in the risk of falls. Perceived social isolation (lack of perceived social support and loneliness combined) was associated with a 33% increase in falls risk. For each increase in the number of depressive symptoms, the risk o

URLhttp://proxy.lib.umich.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2020-17231-001&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Citation Key2020-17231-00120200304