Social Networks and Their Influences on Nutrient Intake, Nutritional Status and Physical Function in Community-dwelling Ethnically Diverse Older Adults: a Mixed-methods Longitudinal Study

Overview

Journal BMC Public Health

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Public Health

Date 2020 Jun 28

PMID 32590967

Citations 8

Authors

Evans A Asamane

Carolyn A Greig

Janice L Thompson

Affiliations

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Abstract

Background: The United Kingdom population is ageing and becoming increasingly diverse; thus, it is vital to develop and implement interventions supporting this population shift. Social networks (SN) significantly impact health outcomes in later life, however relatively little is known about SN of community-dwelling ethnically diverse older adults. This study aimed to: 1) profile SN and changes in SN in this population over 8 months; 2) examine associations between SN, dietary intake, nutritional status, and physical function.

Methods: SN were assessed using the Wenger Practitioner Assessment of Network Type. Energy and nutrient intakes were measured using multiple-pass 24-h recalls. The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) assessed nutritional status. Physical function was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength. Data were collected at baseline and 8-months. Correlation and regression analyses examined relationships between SN, physical function, nutrient intake and nutritional status. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at baseline (n = 92) and follow-up (n = 81) to identify potential influences of SN. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using directed content analysis.

Results: Quantitative data were obtained from 100 participants at baseline and 81 at follow-up. Mean (SD) age was 70.8 (8.1) years (59% male), comprising African/Caribbean (60%), South Asian (34%), and other ethnicities (6%). Five SN typologies were identified under two broad areas: integrated-SN consisting of locally integrated (44%) and wider community (8%); and non-integrated-SN consisting of family dependent (25%), local self-contained (17%), and private restricted (6%). At follow-up, 37% remained in non-integrated networks, 19% transitioned to non-integrated networks, 11% transitioned to, and 33% remained in, integrated networks. Participants within integrated networks at baseline had higher SPPB scores at follow-up. Compared to the private restricted, local self-contained SN significantly predicted zinc, riboflavin and vitamin B6 intakes. Participants remaining in, or transitioning to, non-integrated networks had low MNA-SF scores. Qualitative findings indicate that participants with reductions in SN perceived it as causing poorer physical function and eating behaviours.

Conclusion: In the present study, integrated SN were associated with higher physical function and nutritional status at 8-month's follow-up. These results can inform the design of interventions to improve social networks, physical function and healthy nutrition within this population.

Citing Articles

Perspective: Nutrition Health Disparities Framework: A Model to Advance Health Equity.

Agurs-Collins T, Alvidrez J, ElShourbagy Ferreira S, Evans M, Gibbs K, Kowtha B Adv Nutr. 2024; 15(4):100194.

PMID: 38616067 PMC: 11031378. DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100194.

Changes in the health status and health-related quality of life of community-dwelling older adults living alone: one-year follow-up from a cohort study.

Ko H, Cho B, Lim K, Jang S, Chang S, Yi Y Front Public Health. 2024; 11:1278008.

PMID: 38192567 PMC: 10772141. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1278008.

Factors associated with eating behaviors in older adults from a socioecological model perspective.

Wang X, Wu Y, Miao J, Pu K, Ming W, Zang S BMC Public Health. 2023; 23(1):1726.

PMID: 37670266 PMC: 10481492. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16651-2.

Nutrition risk varies according to social network type: data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Mills C, Keller H, DePaul V, Donnelly C Fam Med Community Health. 2023; 11(1).

PMID: 36813466 PMC: 9950914. DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2022-002112.

Goto R, Ozone S, Kawada S, Yokoya S J Prim Care Community Health. 2022; 13:21501319221111113.

PMID: 35818674 PMC: 9280796. DOI: 10.1177/21501319221111113.

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