Limited Social Participation Research Articles

The impact of sensory impairments and eye diseases on cognitive function in elderly Chinese: The mediating effects of social participation.

Sensory impairments and eye diseases increase the risk of cognitive decline, but little is known regarding their influence on cognitive function in elderly Chinese and the underlying mechanisms. We aimed to explore these influence mechanism from the social participation perspective. We selected 2876 respondents aged ≥60 from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2013, 2015, and 2018. We assessed sensory impairments and eye diseases based on self-reported responses, and evaluated its relation to social participation and cognitive function by fixed-effects regression and mediation effect analysis over a five-year period. Respondents with visual impairment and cataracts had poor memory and mental status. Compared with near visual impairment, distance visual impairment was associated with a 1.7 times higher likelihood of cognitive decline (correlation coefficient (β) = -0.051; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.065, -0.036)). Respondents with hearing impairment had bad memory (β = -0.046; 95% CI = -0.065, -0.036), but not mental status. Social participation partially mediated the relationships of sensory impairments and cataracts with cognitive function in elderly Chinese. Individuals with sensory impairments affected by limited social participation reported a faster cognitive decline compared to those with eye disease. We found that sensory impairments and eye diseases were negatively associated with cognitive function. Furthermore, sensory impairments and cataracts influence cognitive function partly via social participation. Our results have important theoretical and practical implications and suggests that early interventions for sensory impairments and eye diseases may improve the cognitive function of elderly people.

General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) in Simple Language: Internal Consistency, Standard Values and Correlations with Demographic Variables in a Representative German Sample

Approximately 6,2 million people with limited literacy live in Germany. They are unable to communicate in written language beyond single sentences and thus experience limited social participation in many everyday areas. In addition, they are also excluded from participation in survey-based social science research. In order to enable persons with limited literacy to participate in written surveys, existing questionnaires need to be converted to easy language and their psychometric quality needs to be reexamined. We went through this process for the Self-Efficacy Expectancy (SWE) questionnaire and tested the new scale in easy language (SWE-LS) on a representative sample of the German population aged 14 years and older (N=2,531). The SWE-LS scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's-Alpha=0,84) and adequate item difficulty and discriminatory power. We found correlations consistent with expectations for the demographic variables surveyed. Thus, men and persons with higher education and higher income showed significantly higher self-efficacy expectations. The effect was also evident for East Germans versus West Germans, married persons living together versus separated, unmarried, or persons living as singles. Compared to the original SWE scale, the SWE-LS scale in easy language has no methodological disadvantages. The additional effort of linguistic adaptation and renewed psychometric testing is thus directly offset by enabling participation in survey-based research by over 12% of the adult population. A systematic translation of particularly frequently used questionnaires or those that do not concern fundamental research but research areas in which demographic variables themselves are part of the research object would be desirable.

SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG SPOUSAL AND ADULT CHILD CAREGIVERS

Abstract Participating in social activities through formal (e.g., social or religious organizations) and informal (e.g., gatherings with family members or friends) avenues is known to positively contribute to mental wellbeing. Family caregivers are at risk for limited social participation and increased depressive symptoms. However, little is known about which social activities are associated with depressive symptoms among spousal and adult child caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of participating in various social activities on depressive symptoms among spousal (n=422) and adult child (n=1,112) caregivers using data from the 2017 wave of the National Study of Caregiving. Caregivers reported on participating in six social activities in the past month (e.g., visiting family and friends, attending religious services, doing volunteer work, working for pay) and completed the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire to assess depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, with separated models for spousal and adult child caregivers. Sociodemographic characteristics, self-rated health, and dementia caregiving status were included as covariates. For spousal caregivers, visiting friends or family and attending religious services were associated with lower depressive symptoms (b=-.55, p=.010 and b=-.33, p=.036, respectively). For adult child caregivers, going out for enjoyment was associated with lower depressive symptoms (b=-.80, p<.001). Findings suggest that spousal and adult child caregivers may benefit from participating in different types of social activities. Interventions targeting social participation to reduce depressive symptoms need to be tailored to the needs and preferences of spousal and adult child caregivers to be most effective.

Intersectional discrimination, gender-based violence, and social participation of women with disabilities in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT This study used in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of women with disabilities in Burkina Faso to explore how discrimination based on gender and disability intersects and influences exposure to violence, as well as the impact of such discrimination on social participation, a theme barely studied in West Africa. The study thematically analysed the narratives of 35 women with disabilities – including mental, physical, auditory and visual – (age range = 15-53), rural and urban that were collected through four focus groups and eight case stories of rape survivors. As presented in the statements of the women surveyed, the combination of stereotypes and prejudices linked to disability and unequal gender relations make these women predominantly vulnerable to gender-based violence, especially sexual violence. This increased vulnerability to sexual assault emphasises the processes of social exclusion these women experience, at all levels of society, which for most of them results in limited social participation. The findings of this study showed the need for policies related to women’s empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities to adopt an intersectional approach, to better consider the specific issues of women with disabilities.

Social connections and hypertension in women and men: a population-based cross-sectional study of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Associations between social ties and hypertension are poorly understood in women and men. We investigated the association between marital status, living arrangement, social network size and social participation and hypertension by sex/gender. Cross-sectional analysis of 28 238 middle-age and old-age adults (45-85 years) was conducted using the baseline Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Comprehensive cohort data. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using the automated BpTRU device and hypertension was defined as BP more than 140/90 mmHg, or more than 130/80 mmHg in participants with diabetes, self-reported history or receiving antihypertensive therapy. Being nonpartnered, having limited social participation (≤2 social activities per month) or a small social network size was associated with higher odds of having hypertension in women. Odds of hypertension were higher among widowed women [odds ratio 1.33 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 1.51)] compared with married women. The largest difference in adjusted mean SBP in women was between widowed [3.06 mmHg (95% CI: 2.01, 4.11)], vs. married women. For men, lone-living (vs. coliving) was linked to a lower odds of hypertension [odds ratio 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.96)] When considering two social ties simultaneously, the adverse associations between nonpartnership (mainly for singles and divorced) and BP were mitigated with increased social participation, especially among women. Social ties appear to be more strongly associated with hypertension in middle and older aged women than men. Women who are nonpartnered or who engage in few social activities and men who are coliving represent at risk groups for having hypertension. Healthcare professionals may need to consider these social factors in addressing risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease prevention.

The Effects of Social Participation Restriction on Psychological Distress among Older Adults with Chronic Illness

ABSTRACT This study examined how restricted social participation mediates the relationship between chronic illness and psychological distress among community-dwelling older adults. Additionally, the use of the Internet for health care was tested as a moderator to examine whether the relationship between limited social participation and psychological distress differs. Using the multiple-group path analysis approach, 16,032 community-dwelling older adults (65+) from the National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. The findings show that 32.2% suffered from chronic illnesses that limited their daily activities, and 26% reported social participation restrictions to some degree. While having chronic illnesses was associated with greater psychological distress, the association was also through increased social participation restriction (mediation). Furthermore, differences in mediation were found between health information technology users and nonusers (moderated mediation). In contrast to the hypothesis, the adverse relationship between limited social participation and psychological distress was stronger among users, although chronic conditions were associated with greater social participation restrictions among nonusers. The findings suggest that with proper accommodations and interventions that aim to increase the social participation of community-dwelling older adults, the disadvantageous effects of chronic conditions on psychological distress could be ameliorated. Moreover, the importance of such interventions is greater among health information technology users.

“Their Untold Stories…”: Lived Experiences of Being a Transgender (Hijra), A Qualitative Study From India

Background: Transgender is an umbrella term, used to encompass people who have a gender identity or gender expression, which differs from their sex assignment at birth. Being independent of sexual orientation, they have often been classified as the “third sex.” Based on various sociocultural traditions and beliefs, they are frequently “othered,” discriminated, and stigmatized against. This has led to their limited social inclusion and participation. In the social diversity of a populous country like India, transgenders are termed as “hijra’s,” belonging to a separate social community. Their experiences, perceptions, and unmet needs are rarely evaluated. Methods: Qualitative approach was used to explore the “lived experience” of 4 individuals who are part of the “hijra” community in Kolkata. These individuals were born with ambiguous primary sex characteristics. In-depth interview was conducted with these participants with subsequent transcription. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for analysis. Results: A total of 2 superordinate themes (identity issues, relationship issues) and 6 subordinate themes emerged from the analysis (identification with feminine gender, perceptions regarding caregivers, perception regarding siblings, perception regarding childhood peer groups, identification with the hijra community, societal rejection). The findings have been discussed in terms of identity process, social and cultural construal of hijras in this part of the world. Conclusion: In India, the transgenders (hijra community) represent a unique subculture besides the heterosexual groups. Understanding their relationships, sexuality and societal interactions are vital for their psychosocial well-being and related interventions. This study adds to the shared understanding of their marginalization and lived experiences, in their own voices.

Multi-Level Factors Associated with Social Participation among Stroke Survivors: China's Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2015).

Background: This study aims to examine the impact of individual-level and community-based factors on popular social participation activities of Chinese middle-aged and older adults post-stroke. Methods: Sub-samples of survivors of stroke (2011: n = 413, 2013: n = 395, 2015: n = 441) recruited by the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included in the analysis. Zero-inflated Poisson and multi-level logistic regression models were used to explore factors associated with social participation. Results: More than half of individuals (55.0%) had no social participation and 23.4% participated in multiple social activities. The most popular social activities that individuals participated in were interacting with friends (32.6%) and going to a community club to play table games (22.7%). Multiple individual-level factors were negatively related to social participation (e.g., depressive symptoms and multiple measures of functional limitations) while the allocation of an outdoor exercise facility in the community/village was positively associated with going to a community club to play table games. Conclusion: Stroke survivors are at high risk of limited social participation. Policymakers and other key stakeholders should consider community design among other potential solutions when identifying ways to link at-risk stroke survivors to both opportunities for rehabilitation (e.g., physical function) and social participation.

A Comissão Nacional para os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável

This work seeks to analyze the National Commission on the Sustainable Development Goals (CNODS, in Portuguese) from its constitution, structure and first delivers. Created in 2016, its installation and work began after the representatives took office in June 2017. It is presented as a collegiate, consultative organ, with parity between the government and civil society, to advance social participation. Among its competences lays the proposition of an action plan to implementations of the UN’s 2030 Agenda to Sustainable Development in Brazil. We seek to verify whether the commission complies to those aspects within its mandate during the first years of functioning. For that, we searched the Brazilian government’s official publications’ digital archive, from 2015 and 2017 and the documents available at the commission’s website. We highlight the decree that created it (Decreto nº 8.892/2016) and the 2017-2019 Action Plan. We concluded the commission is a weak governance instrument, with restricted and limited social participation and underrepresentation of subnational governments. It predisposes the prominence of the Federal Executive Secretariat and lacks the participation of important sectorial agencies inside the SDGs scope. During the period, its strategic planning stayed restricted to short-term planning.

Discrimination, Coping, and Social Exclusion among African Immigrants in the United States: A Moderation Analysis.

This cross-sectional study examined coping strategies as moderators of the relationship between perceived discrimination and social exclusion among African immigrants in the United States (N = 409). Moderation models using path analyses were conducted to examine the moderating effects of three coping strategies (active coping, use of instrumental support, and religious coping) on the relationship between discrimination and four dimensions of social exclusion: (1) material deprivation, (2) limited access to basic social rights, (3) limited social participation, and (4) insufficient cultural integration. Increases in perceived discrimination were associated with increased social exclusion on all four dimensions. Increased use of active coping was found to weaken the positive relationship between perceived discrimination and material deprivation and between discrimination and limited social participation. Use of instrumental support also buffered the negative effects of discrimination on limited social participation. Recommendations for practice and future research are presented.

Social exclusion in old age: a validation study in Hong Kong

ABSTRACTObjectives: To validate a measure of social exclusion for older people based on one already in use for the general population.Methods: A random sample of 2281 older adults (age ranged from 65 to 89; mean age = 74.9; 52.6% females) were successfully interviewed face-to-face at their homes. The structured questionnaire included household income, household expenditure, asset, self-perceived poverty, household composition, socioeconomic characteristics of participants, and a measure of social exclusion.Results: Using factor analysis, we identified two dimensions in the measure of social exclusion, namely ‘neighborhood exclusion’ and ‘limited social participation.’ The internal consistency of the social exclusion index (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80) and its two dimensions were found to be adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.81–0.84). Its concurrent validity was also good and showed a significant correlation between household income (r = 0.28, p < 0.01), personal assets (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), and self-perceived poverty (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results indicate that it is possible to develop a social exclusion measure that is valid and reliable for older Hong Kong Chinese people. This measure can help policy-makers decide on the priorities and develop policies that better meet the needs of older people.

“I Never Truly Thought About Them Having Friends”

Students with severe disabilities often experience limited social participation and few friendships at school. We describe a project to equip school teams to implement peer support arrangements and peer networks focused on friendships, inclusion, and learning. We adopted a phenomenological qualitative approach to learn how participants viewed these interventions within their schools, issues emerging during implementation, and the impact of these interventions. We discuss themes surrounding (a) the impact of the context and structure of the school on implementation, (b) participants’ views on professional development related to these interventions, and (c) impact on students, peers, and the broader school community.

Social Participation Modifies the Effect of a Structured Physical Activity Program on Major Mobility Disability Among Older Adults: Results From the LIFE Study.

To investigate whether baseline social participation modifies the effect of a long-term structured physical activity (PA) program on major mobility disability (MMD). 1,635 sedentary adults (70-89 years) with physical limitations were randomized to either a structured PA or health education (HE) intervention. Social participation was defined categorically at baseline. High social participation was defined as attending organized group functions at least once per week and visiting with noncohabitating friends and family ≥7 hr per week. Anything less was considered limited social participation. Participants performed a standardized walking test at baseline and every 6 months for up to 42 months. MMD was defined as the loss in the ability to walk 400 m. There was a significant intervention by social participation interaction (p = .003). Among individuals with high levels of social participation, those randomized to PA had significantly lower incidence of MMD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27-0.68]; p < .01) than those randomized to HE. Individuals with limited social participation showed no mobility benefit of the PA intervention when compared with their HE counterparts (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.77-1.11]; p = .40). Our findings suggest that baseline social participation is an important factor for the success of a PA intervention aimed at delaying mobility disability.

Everyday Life in the Suburbs of Berlin: Consequences for the Social Participation of Aged Men and Women

Against the background of demographic change, mobility issues are becoming crucial. Especially for the elderly, daily outdoor activities are essential for participation in social life. This article addresses the question of what extent older people, especially women, are threatened by limited social participation in Berlin’s suburbia. The mobility of older women (70+) is characterized by the least number of trips, the shortest distances, and more than 50% walking trips. Besides, many older women are dissatisfied with their residential area. Given the lack of essential facilities, older women have to be considered as disadvantaged in terms of limited social participation.

Participation in Social Activities among Adolescents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

BackgroundLittle is known about patterns of participation in social activities among adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objectives were to report nationally representative (U.S.) estimates of participation in social activities among adolescents with an ASD, to compare these estimates to other groups of adolescents with disabilities, and examine correlates of limited social participation.Methods and FindingsWe analyzed data from wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2, a large cohort study of adolescents enrolled in special education. Three comparison groups included adolescents with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and speech/language impairments. Adolescents with an ASD were significantly more likely never to see friends out of school (43.3%), never to get called by friends (54.4%), and never to be invited to social activities (50.4%) when compared with adolescents from all the other groups. Correlates of limited social participation included low family income and having impairments in conversational ability, social communication, and functional cognitive skills.ConclusionsCompared with prior research, our study significantly expands inquiry in this area by broadening the range of social participation indicators examined, increasing the external validity of findings, focusing on the under-studied developmental stage of adolescence, and taking an ecological approach that included many potential correlates of social participation. There were notable differences in social participation by income, a dimension of social context seldom examined in research on ASDs.