The multilevel analysis of the social network in the older adults on the Urban HEART-2

Background: Social network in older adults refers to the interpersonal relationships and the perception of these relationships. Given the importance of the social network, the current study was conducted to answer three pivotal questions. First, do personal and district factors affect the social network of the elderly? Second, how much share do the personal and district factors have in the social network of the elderly? And third, which of these factors affect the social network of the elderly at each level of the personal and district relationships. Method: The study was conducted based on the second round of the health equity and response tool in Tehran city (Urban Heart-2). Thus, 5760 individuals (age > 60 yr) were selected from 22 urban regions in Tehran city. These data were then analyzed using multilevel regression model. Findings: The personal and district levels explained about 89% and 11% of the social network of the elderlies, respectively. The personal factors explained 21% of the variance in the social network. Out of these parameters, age between 60 and 74, illiteracy, self-reported health and mental health affected the social network significantly. At the district level, the feeling of security, the control of corruption, the waiting time for bus arrival, and the sense of responsibility were the most influential factors explaining 19% of the variance in the social network. Conclusion: Not only is the social network of the elderlies affected by the personal factors such as age, education level and self-reported health and mental health, but it is also affected by the district factors (feeling of security, the control of corruption, the waiting time for bus arrival, and sense of responsibility). Although these district factors are out of personal control, they can be improved for the elderlies in the society.