scholarly journals Understanding Racial and Rural Disparities in the Relationship between Social Isolation and Social Technology Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 933-933
Author(s):  
Kaileigh Byrne ◽  
Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky ◽  
Hannah Barfield ◽  
Summerlin Nickel
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Social isolation is characterized by lack of social contacts and high degrees of loneliness. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are linked to declines in cognitive functioning and increased risk of dementia. Previous research suggests that loneliness is more prevalent among Black and rural older adults compared to White and urban-dwelling older adults. Given these disparities, it is important to identify methods that reduce social isolation and loneliness among this population. Social technology, such as Facebook and Skype, is one possible way to connect with others. This study uses the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) dataset to examine racial and rural disparities in the relationship between social technology use and social isolation, loneliness, and social support among individuals age 50 and older. The overarching hypotheses are that (1) rural-dwelling older adults and older Blacks will report less social technology use compared to urban-dwelling and older White adults, and (2) there will be a negative relationship between loneliness and social technology use, and (3) a positive relationship between perceived positive social support and social technology use. Racial or rural disparities in these latter potential relationships are exploratory. Multiple linear regression analysis will be performed to assess these relationships. Preliminary correlational results indicate that, consistent with prior work, greater use of social technology was associated with higher social support (N=6,029; r=.29, p<.001). However, contrary to our hypothesis, greater self-reported loneliness was associated with greater social technology (r=.09, p<.001). Examination of potential racial and rural disparities in these relationships are currently underway.

scholarly journals Examining Rural and Racial Disparities in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Social Technology Use Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaileigh A. Byrne ◽  
Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky ◽  
Cheryl Dye ◽  
Lesley A. Ross ◽  
Kapil Chalil Madathil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Rural Older Adults

Loneliness, the subjective negative experience derived from a lack of meaningful companionship, is associated with heightened vulnerability to adverse health outcomes among older adults. Social technology affords an opportunity to cultivate social connectedness and mitigate loneliness. However, research examining potential inequalities in loneliness is limited. This study investigates racial and rural-urban differences in the relationship between social technology use and loneliness in adults aged 50 and older using data from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 4,315). Social technology use was operationalized as the self-reported frequency of communication through Skype, Facebook, or other social media with family and friends. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness scale, and rural-urban differences were based on Beale rural-urban continuum codes. Examinations of race focused on differences between Black/African-American and White/Caucasian groups. A path model analysis was performed to assess whether race and rurality moderated the relationship between social technology use and loneliness, adjusting for living arrangements, age, general computer usage. Social engagement and frequency of social contact with family and friends were included as mediators. The primary study results demonstrated that the association between social technology use and loneliness differed by rurality, but not race. Rural older adults who use social technology less frequently experience greater loneliness than urban older adults. This relationship between social technology and loneliness was mediated by social engagement and frequency of social contact. Furthermore, racial and rural-urban differences in social technology use demonstrated that social technology use is less prevalent among rural older adults than urban and suburban-dwelling older adults; no such racial differences were observed. However, Black older adults report greater levels of perceived social negativity in their relationships compared to White older adults. Interventions seeking to address loneliness using social technology should consider rural and racial disparities.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Citrus Canker Lesions Associated with Premature Drop of Sweet Orange Fruit

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrício E. Lanza ◽  
Weber Marti ◽  
Geraldo J. Silva ◽  
Franklin Behlau
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Orange ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Citrus Fruit ◽  
Citrus Canker ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Detachment Force ◽  
Fruit Drop ◽  
Orange Fruit ◽  
The Relationship

During the development of a citrus fruit, many cycles of infection by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri may occur leading to the development of a range of characteristics of citrus canker lesions scattered across the fruit surface. This study aimed to determine whether the size of the lesions, their distance from the peduncle, and the number and time of appearance of the lesions on fruit of sweet orange were associated with premature fruit drop. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between the fruit detachment force and the lesion diameter, the proximity of the nearest lesion to the peduncle and the number of lesions. A survival analysis demonstrated that these characteristics significantly influenced the probability and the time that a cankered fruit remained attached to the tree. More than 90% of dropped fruit had large lesions (>5 mm) but not all fruit with large lesions dropped before harvest. Approximately 50% of the harvested fruit had lesions >5 mm. On the harvested fruit remaining on the tree, although large, the lesions had a smaller diameter, were located farther from the peduncle, and were less numerous than those observed on dropped fruit. Small canker lesions neither reduced the detachment force nor the survival of fruit in the tree. The earlier a fruit expressed canker symptoms, the higher the probability the fruit developed large lesions near the peduncle and/or developed lesions in greater numbers. This study provides a better understanding on the relationship between the time of appearance of lesions of citrus canker on fruit and premature fruit drop. This information defines the critical period for fruit protection and may be used to improve disease management.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Pain and Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Is Social Technology Use Protective?

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulin Yang ◽  
Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk ◽  
M Carrington Reid ◽  
Karl Pillemer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Severe Pain ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pain Severity ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Moderate Pain ◽  
Social Technologies ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shelter-in-place orders have profoundly changed the everyday social environment. This study examines the relationship between pain and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and loneliness) among U.S. adults ages 54 and older during the pandemic. We also test whether use of technology for social purposes moderates the association between pain severity and psychological distress. Methods Using cross-sectional data on 1,014 adults ages 54 and older (pain free, n = 637; mild pain, n = 106; moderate pain, n = 227; and severe pain, n = 64) from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 Project (Early, Version 1.0), we conducted regression analyses to test the association between pain severity and psychological outcomes and to assess social technology use frequency as a moderator. Results Compared with their pain-free peers, participants with mild-to-moderate pain reported more depressive symptoms and greater loneliness; those with severe pain reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Social technology use was associated with lower levels of depression and loneliness. However, interaction analyses show that social technology use predicted an increase in depression for individuals with pain but a decrease in depression among pain-free individuals. For anxiety and loneliness, no significant effects of social technology use were observed. Conclusion Older adults with pain are at high risk of depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the pandemic. Although social technologies have become a common alternative to face-to-face interactions during the COVID-19 crisis, and overall they can provide mental health benefits, our results suggest that social technologies can be detrimental to psychological well-being among people with pain. These findings can inform technology-based interventions aiming to promote well-being among older adults with pain.

scholarly journals Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽  
Giulia Coletta ◽  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Sharon Marr
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Basic Features ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. METHODS Adults aged >60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. RESULTS The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. CONCLUSIONS The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

scholarly journals Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/18398 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e18398
Author(s):  
Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽  
Giulia Coletta ◽  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Sharon Marr
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Basic Features ◽  
The Impact

Background The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. Methods Adults aged >60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. Results The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. Conclusions The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

scholarly journals Social Network Types and Health among Older Adults in Rural China: The Mediating Role of Social Support

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Ye ◽  
Xinping Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Self Rated Health

This study aimed to identify social network types among older adults in rural China, to explore the relationship between social network types and the health of the older adults, and further, to examine the mediating role of social support in this relationship. A cross-sectional survey method was employed to investigate the health of adults aged 60 or older in rural areas of Hubei Province from 5 September 2018 to 15 October 2018; 405 samples were obtained. First, using k-means clustering analysis, we found five robust network types: diverse, restricted, family, friends and a specific type—family-restricted. Second, the results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that social network types were significantly associated with depressive symptoms and self-rated health in older adults. Older people with diverse friend networks were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, whereas those with restricted and family-restricted networks were significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of self-rated health. Finally, the results of multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that social support partially mediated the association of the identified social network types with depressive symptoms and self-rated health. Enriching the social network relationships of older adults and providing them with more social support should be conducive to promoting their mental and physical health.

Connecting Older Adults and Their Families through Social Technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mueller ◽  
H Foran
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Older adults often face problems with social isolation, which is a risk factor for poorer mental and physical health. New forms of social technologies (e.g., WhatsApp) provide opportunities to facilitate social connectedness with family members. Understanding older adults’ behaviors and perceptions related to digital communication tools can inform the development of interventions to increase the adoption of these tools for social communication. This study aims to evaluate attitudes and barriers to as well as facilitators of social technology reported by grandparents and grandchildren. The secondary aim is to examine the associations between social technology use and health and well-being outcomes and to identify what factors mediate the use of social technology. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 144 grandchildren (Mage=26.53, SD = 9.17; 81.9% female) were recruited through student mailing lists. Grandparents were invited either through their grandchild or by the research team and recruitment is expected to be completed by September 2019. Three main groups of variables were examined: health and well-being outcomes, social support related outcomes and social technology related outcomes. Results & Conclusions Grandchildren reported very positive attitudes toward social technology as expected. Greater social technology use was associated with better psychological (r =.26, p =.002) and subjective well-being (rs =.20, p =.023), higher psychosocial flourishing (r =.41, p <.001), social support (rs =.22, p =.009) and social connectedness (r =.39, p <.001). Social technology use was not correlated with health, the grandparent-grandchild relationship, loneliness and depression at the bivariate level. Barriers to social technology are security concerns, threat to privacy and constant availability. Facilitators include increased contact, dealing with geographic boundaries and information seeking. Results from grandparents will also be presented. Key messages Social technology has potential to enhance older adults’ lives by facilitating better family relationships, building social support, reducing loneliness and through this improve health and well-being. More research is needed in this area to understand benefits or potential harms and dynamics between younger family members and older adults in use of social technology.

scholarly journals Social Support, Academic Satisfaction, and Student Drop Out Tendency/ Dukungan Sosial, Academic Satisfaction, dan Kecenderungan Drop Out pada Mahasiswa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-187
Author(s):  
Airlangga Wicaksono Abdullah ◽  
Abdul Muhid
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Academic Satisfaction ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract: The purpose of carrying out this research is to determine the relationship between social support and academic satisfaction with the tendency to drop out of students at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. This research uses correlational quantitative method. Researchers used a Likert scale to measure social support and academic satisfaction with the tendency to drop out of students. With 135 subjects from a total population of 4467 students, researchers used the random sampling method to obtain the research sample. The data collection method used was a gform questionnaire (questionnaire). The method used to test the hypothesis is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the regression analysis show that social support has no effect on the tendency to drop out. while academic satisfaction has a negative effect on the tendency to drop out.Keywords: Social Support; Academic Satisfaction; The Trend of Drop OutAbstrak: Tujuan dari dilaksanakannya penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan antara dukungan sosial dan academic satisfaction dengan kecenderungan drop out pada mahasiswa UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif korelasional. Peneliti menggunakan skala likert untuk mengukur dukungan sosial dan academic satisfaction terhadap kecenderungan drop out pada mahasiswa. Dengan subjek berjumlah 135 dari total populasi 4467 mahasiswa, peneliti menggunakan metode random sampling untuk mendapatkan sampel penelitian. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah angket google form (kuesioner). Metode yang digunakan untuk uji hipotesis adalah analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil analisis regresi menunjukan bahwa dukungan sosial tidak memiliki pengaruh terhadap kecenderungan drop out, sedangakan academic satisfaction memiliki pengaruh negatif terhadap kecenderungan drop out.Kata kunci: Dukungan Sosial; Kepuasan Akademik; Kecenderungan Drop Out

scholarly journals EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON OLDER ADULTS' WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S193-S194
Author(s):  
Walter R Boot
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Recent research had indicated clear links between social isolation and loneliness, and a host of negative consequences, including poor mental and physical health, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality risk. These consequences make clear that social isolation is a significant and urgent public health concern that requires attention and action. Increasingly, researchers have begun to explore the role technology can play in reducing social isolation and increasing social support. This symposium contains five talks that address this question directly, presenting a nuanced picture of the potential effects of technology on well-being among older adults. The first presentation will highlight the potential positive side of internet use on wellbeing using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study. The next talk explores how the internet can support older adults undergoing significant life transitions. Importantly, the link between internet use and well-being appears to be context-dependent, with internet use being associated with positive or negative effects depending on other contextual factors. This presentation is followed by another, finding that technology use can have varying effects depending on how and what the technology is used for. This is followed by a presentation that directly compares technology-based communication to in-person communication, and the different effects of each on well-being. The session concludes with a presentation on how novel robotic technology might provide emotional and social support. In answer to the question of whether technology can reduce social isolation and loneliness, and improve social support: It’s complicated.

scholarly journals Perception of Home Demands, Social Support, and Marital Adjustment Among Women During Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-119
Author(s):  
Neyha Noeleen ◽  
Masha Asad Khan
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Marital Adjustment ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Positive Relation ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Information Sheet ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Significant Negative Relationship

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring colossal impact on families, particularly on marital adjustments. This paper reports findings of a study that examined perceptions of home demands, social support, and marital adjustment among women during COVID-19. A sample of 252 women was taken. Participants were administered a Demographic information sheet, Home Demands Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale. The data was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between perceptions of home demands and social support, and marital adjustment, and also a significant positive relation between social support and marital adjustment among women. Findings showed that women are likely to face additional problems because of limited sources of social support due to COVID-19 which is an imperative aspect for marital adjustment. Findings have implications for marriage counsellors, therapists, and clinical practitioners.

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