Social networks and health-related quality of life: a population based study among older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between components of social networks and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults with and without depressive symptoms.


METHODS
Comparative cross-sectional study with data from the cohort study 'Integral Study of Depression', carried out in Mexico City during 2004. The sample was selected through a multi-stage probability design. HRQL was measured with the SF-36. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Short Anxiety Screening Test (SAST) determined depressive symptoms and anxiety. T-test and multiple linear regressions were conducted.


RESULTS
Older adults with depressive symptoms had the lowest scores in all HRQL scales. A larger network of close relatives and friends was associated with better HRQL on several scales. Living alone did not significantly affect HRQL level, in either the study or comparison group.


CONCLUSIONS
A positive association between some components of social networks and good HRQL exists even in older adults with depressive symptoms.
Gallegos-Carrillo
Katia
K
Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General Regional, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
Mudgal
Jyoti
J
Sánchez-García
Sergio
S
Wagner
Fernando A
FA
Gallo
Joseph J
JJ
Salmerón
Jorge
J
García-Peña
Carmen
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012934:Social Isolation; D012943:Social Security; D012944:Social Support; D014505:Urban Population