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Social network type and health-related behaviors: Evidence from an American national survey

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  • Shiovitz-Ezra, Sharon
  • Litwin, Howard

Abstract

This study examined the association between social network type and engagement in physical activity, alcohol abuse and use of complementary and alternative medicine by older Americans. Data from the National Social Life, Health & Aging Project were employed. Multivariate logistic regressions conducted separately for each health behavior showed that older people embedded in less resourceful network types were at greater risk for alcohol abuse, physical inactivity and less use of complementary and alternative medicine, net of the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, health, and the quality of the social relationships. The study underscores the importance of the construct of social network type for understanding healthy lifestyle in late life.

Suggested Citation

  • Shiovitz-Ezra, Sharon & Litwin, Howard, 2012. "Social network type and health-related behaviors: Evidence from an American national survey," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(5), pages 901-904.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:75:y:2012:i:5:p:901-904
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.04.031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Van Cauwenberg, Jelle & De Donder, Liesbeth & Clarys, Peter & De Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse & Buffel, Tine & De Witte, Nico & Dury, Sarah & Verté, Dominique & Deforche, Benedicte, 2014. "Relationships between the perceived neighborhood social environment and walking for transportation among older adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 23-30.
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    4. Ann W. Nguyen, 2017. "Variations in Social Network Type Membership Among Older African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(4), pages 716-726.
    5. Mani, Sneha Sarah & Schut, Rebecca Anna, 2023. "The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inequalities in preventive health screenings: Trends and implications for U.S. population health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    6. Dembo, Robert S. & Huntington, Nick & Mitra, Monika & Rudolph, Abby E. & Lachman, Margie E. & Mailick, Marsha R., 2022. "Social network typology and health among parents of children with developmental disabilities: Results from a national study of midlife adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
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    8. Goldman, Alyssa W. & Cornwell, Benjamin, 2015. "Social network bridging potential and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in later life," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 69-80.
    9. Keunbok Lee, 2021. "Different Discussion Partners and Their Effect on Depression among Older Adults," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-22, June.

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