Международный журнал физической медицины и реабилитации
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Association of Social Networks with Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Functioning in Community Dwelling Elderly Women-A Pilot Study

Rajna K.M

Background: Social network is the web of relationships that surrounds an individual and social isolation may occur when social network breaks down, stronger and closer social ties represent social resources in times of need, reduce a sense of isolation, and increase the mental and physical function of older adults. A considerable amount of evidence has consistently demonstrated the benefit of social networking for health, emotional well-being, self-esteem, identity and the perception of control. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship of social network with quality of life, health and physical functioning (mobility and balance).

Objective of the study: To estimate the relationship between social networks with health-related quality of life and physical functioning (mobility and balance).

Methodology: In this cross sectional Pilot study,30 women aged 65 years and older who were independently mobile and free from major illnesses were selected conveniently and assessed using Lubben social network scale-6 (LSNS-6) for social network participation, WHO General Health Questionnaire for Health related quality of life (WHOQOLBREF), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for mobility and Functional Reach Test (FRT) for balance.

Result: Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated between the parameters; a very highly significant positive correlation was found between Social Networks (LSNS-6) and WHOQOL-BREF 4 Domains (p˂0.001). Among 4 domains Domain-1 and Domain-4 correlation were having very strong positive correlation with a correlation coefficient r=0.900, r=0.863 respectively and Domain-2 (r=0.700), Domain-3 (r=0.600) were having strong correlation. Along with that there exists a highly significant moderate positive correlation of LSNS-6 with balance (p=0.012, r=0.452) and a very highly significant strong negative correlation with mobility (p=0.000, r=0.630).

Conclusion: The study showed that in elderly, health related quality of life is associated with better social networks. Analysis of relationship between social networks with balance and mobility showed that better the social networks higher the balance and mobility.