Association between social network and dietary variety among community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

Objective: Social networks are critical social health factors for older adults. This study examined the association between social networks and dietary variety among community-dwelling older adults. Design: A cross-sectional study, using the dietary variety score (DVS) developed for older Japanese people to assess dietary variety and the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) to assess social networks. Setting: N City, H Prefecture, Japan. Participants: Community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years (n = 1,229). Results: The LSNS-6 score in the low DVS group was lower than that in the middle and high DVS groups (12.2 ± 5.6 vs. 13.4 ± 5.4 and 14.4 ± 5.7, P<0.001). The population of social isolation (LSNS-6, < 12) in the low DVS group was higher than that in the middle and high DVS groups (43.5% vs. 35.8% and 31.0%, P = 0.005). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the LSNS-6 score was positively correlated with DVS (standardized coefficient, 0.092; P = 0.002). Social isolation was also significantly associated with a low DVS in the multivariate-adjusted logistic analysis model (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.00−1.68; P = 0.048). Stratified analysis results revealed the LSNS-6 and DVS were significantly associated in participants with the following characteristics: younger age (< 75 years), women, and those living with someone. Conclusions: Social networks were associated with dietary variety; social isolation was related to poor dietary variety among community-dwelling older adults. An association between social networks and dietary variety was observed among young-old older adults, women, and those living with someone.