Measures Of Social Participation Research Articles

Regional Inequalities in Oral Frailty and Social Capital.

Oral frailty leads to poor nutritional status, which, in turn, leads to frailty. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine regional differences in the prevalence of oral frailty and to identify factors associated with oral frailty using 3-level multilevel models. This study comprised 165,164 participants aged ≥65 y without long-term care requirements in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The dependent variable was oral frailty, which was calculated based on age, number of teeth, difficulty in eating tough foods, and choking. The individual-level independent variables included sociodemographics, present illness, social participation, frequency of meeting friends, and social capital. The local district-level independent variable was social capital (n = 1,008) derived from exploratory factor analyses. The municipality-level independent variable was population density (n = 62). Three-level multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to calculate the prevalence ratios (PRs). The prevalence of oral frailty in municipalities ranged from 39.9% to 77.6%. Regarding district-level factors, higher civic participation was significantly associated with a lower probability of oral frailty. At the municipality level, the PR of the rural-agricultural area was 1.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.23) (reference: metropolitan). These results highlight the usefulness of oral frailty prevention measures in encouraging social participation in rural areas. The results of the present study showed regional differences in oral frailty. In particular, rural-agricultural areas show higher prevalence rates of oral frailty than those in metropolitan cities. Promoting measures of social participation among older adults may help prevent oral frailty in rural areas.

Towards an Interdisciplinary Consensual Measure of Social Participation: From Scoping Review to Clustering Measurement

Towards an Interdisciplinary Consensual Measure of Social Participation: From Scoping Review to Clustering Measurement

Examining the Nexus Between Local Governance Structures and College Students’ Cultural Identity and Confidence-Take Zhejiang as an Example

In order to give full play to the advantages of local governance structure, it is necessary to explore the influence of governance structure on college students' cultural identity and self-confidence. In this paper, a questionnaire survey was conducted on four college students in Zhejiang Province, and the regression analysis method was used to analyze the survey data. Based on the results, from the perspective of local governance structure, the relationship between local governance structure and college students' cultural identity and self-confidence is demonstrated. This paper puts forward the following hypotheses: first, whether the structure of local autonomy has an impact on the cultural identity of college students; second, whether the relationship between college students' identity and self-confidence is independent; thirdly, whether the local self-control structure can improve the self-confidence of college students; Finally, the influence and degree of local self-government structure and cultural identity of college students on college students' self-confidence. The results show that the local structure can improve the cultural level of college students, with an increase of about 10.5%, and the impact on the cultural self-confidence of college students is relatively small, indicating that there is a correlation between cultural identity and local governance structure, and the correlation between cultural self-confidence is small, and the relationship between cultural identity and self-confidence is independent. The reason for this is that the short-term effect of the local governance structure is significant, and the long-term effect is not good, so it is necessary to cooperate with social participation measures, university system and other measures to enhance students' cultural self-confidence.

Connecting through clicks: A longitudinal examination of internet use and depressive symptoms among middle- and old-aged Chinese.

While prior investigations into the influence of internet engagement on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older individuals have largely been favorable, concerns persist. Some research posits that internet use may detract from direct interpersonal interactions, elevating depression risks. Here, we scrutinize these contrasting views, endeavoring to delineate the relationship between internet use, social participation, and the ensuing depressive manifestations. We analyzed nationally representative data from three consecutive waves (2013-T1, 2015-T2, 2018-T3) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study survey. Measures of social participation encompassed formal social participation (i.e., attending clubs for mahjong, chess, sports, or other activities; participation in community organizations, volunteering, or enrolling in training courses) and informal social participation (i.e., interactions with friends or extending assistance to relatives, friends, or neighbors). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate a focused longitudinal mediation model. Our dataset comprised 13 671 individuals aged 45 years or older. Baseline internet use was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms by T3 ( = -0.143, SE = 0.055). The longitudinal association between internet use and the alleviation of depressive symptoms was partially mediated by enhanced formal social participation (indirect effect = -0.023, SE = 0.011). For developing nations such as China, grappling with a rapidly aging demographic and scarce mental health infrastructure, pioneering initiatives that merge digital and formal social participation might be a valuable component in a multifaceted approach to alleviate late-life depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 218-224.

ASSESSING BIDIRECTIONAL LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SOCIAL RESOURCES AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN LATE LIFE

Abstract Objectives To better understand bidirectional longitudinal relationships between social networks and cognitive decline. Method: We examined nine waves of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011-2019). Our primary outcome was global cognition, consisting of a summation of scores on episodic memory, orientation, and executive function tests. Social network measures included measures of social participation, number and type of social ties, attributes of network alter, and neighborhood markers of social cohesion and disorder. We applied linear mixed models to study associations between time-invariant measures of social cohesion and disorder with cognitive decline over time. We employed dual-outcomes mixed models to examine the bidirectional linkages between time-varying measures of social network structures and cognitive decline. Result: Eligible participants (N = 7,325) were included at baseline and followed for an average of 4.86±3.22 years/waves. Having more friend-ties and a higher percentage of college graduates within a social network at baseline were associated with slower declines in global cognition and episodic memory. Additionally, higher global cognition at baseline was associated with smaller reductions in social network size. Less disorientation at baseline was associated with a slower decline in social participation. Social cohesion and environmental disorder were not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusion Social networks may improve cognitive health but are also vulnerable to declining orientation. Results suggest that bidirectional longitudinal relationships link social network structure with cognitive decline and inform our understanding of the framework of associations between diverse aspects of social resources and cognitive decline in a longitudinal setting.

Social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic in persons with a high risk for a severe course of COVID-19 – results of a longitudinal, multi-center observational study in Germany

ABSTRACT Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how people go about their daily lives, often in various and substantial ways. This study aims to prospectively evaluate the changes in social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic in persons with a high risk for a severe COVID-19 course in Germany. Methods A paper-pencil-based survey was conducted starting at March 2021. Participants filled out questionnaires at four time points based on their COVID-19 vaccination status: before COVID-19 vaccination, one month, six months and twelve months after COVID-19 vaccination. Social participation measures included the Pandemic Social Participation Questionnaire (PSP-Q) and the Index for measuring participation restrictions (IMET). Repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test were used to test for changes between time-points. Repeated measures correlation was used to assess the relationship between social participation and local COVID-19 incidences. Results Data from 245 participants was analyzed before and one month after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, data from 156 participants was analyzed at time points one, six and twelve months after COVID-19. PSP-Q and IMET scores changed significantly after participants received a COVID-19 vaccination. Between one month and twelve months after vaccination, social participation improved significantly measured by PSP-Q. Social participation was negatively correlated with regional COVID-19 incidences before and after COVID-19 vaccination. Social participation was positively correlated with COVID-19 incidences between one month and twelve months after COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions Social participation improved in persons with a high risk for a severe COVID-19 course during the pandemic. The local COVID-19 incidence showed a negative association with social participation only until the fall of 2021 when it was used as the sole metric to regulate COVID-19 protective measures. Although our data describes the trends in social participation, further studies are needed to identify the influencing factors for the observed increase in social participation.

LINKS BETWEEN SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH OPERATE THROUGH SOCIAL STIMULATION AND COGNITIVE RESERVE

Abstract The link between social connectedness and dementia risk and resilience has been examined using a diverse set of measures. Though different measures of connectedness reflect distinct social processes and underlying mechanisms (e.g., stress buffering, cognitive stimulation), few studies have compared them. Using data from two social network studies of older adults (N=283), we compare associations between 29 measures of social connectedness and general cognitive function (MoCA), and non-verbal (Rey) and episodic memory (Craft). Measures of social participation (e.g., volunteering, working, attending church) and social support were unassociated with cognitive outcomes, net of controls. Quality of friendships (p<.05), family relationships (p<.01), and marriage (p<.05) were sporadically associated. Measures indicating large, diverse, and expansive networks were strongly and consistently related to all cognitive outcomes (e.g., number of phone contacts [p<.001], network size [p<.001], density [p<.001], racial homophily [p<.05], age heterogeneity [p<0.01], and diversity [p<.001]). We discuss implications for theories of cognitive reserve.

Association of Walking Ability In Relation to Participation In Stroke Survivors: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Stroke is a neurological condition caused by an immediate injury to the CNS due to vascular sources like cerebral infarction, intracerebral haemorrhage, or subarachnoid haemorrhage. Stroke leads to changes in cognitive and psychological functioning, body disabilities and profound fatigue. After a stroke, patients are likely to produce an asymmetric gait pattern, decreased gait speed and decreased cadence. This leads to restricted independence and participation in the community and social activities. The aim of the study is to analyse the correlation between walking ability and measures of social participation. Methodology: Forty subjects were screened for inclusion criteria. They were explained about the procedure and gained informed consent for all the tests of walking ability and questionnaires were given for analysing their participation in social life activities. Walking ability was analysed by using 6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). Social participation was analysed by using 3 questionnaires -POPS, IPAQ, and PARTS/M. Spearman correlation analysis was done to analyse the relationship between walking ability and domains and dimensions of social participation. Results: The correlation analyses revealed that the walking ability measured by 6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, FES and FAC scores correlate with the domains and dimensions of social participation by using the questionnaires-POPS, PARTS/M and IPAQ. Measures of walking ability i.e., 6-minute walk test were correlated with satisfaction (r=0.312; p<0.05); FES with satisfaction (r=-0.396; p<0.05); FAC with satisfaction (r=0.436; p<0.05) dimensions of social participation. Measures of walking ability i.e., 10-meter walk test were correlated with major life area domain (r =-0.407; p<0.5); FES and general tasks and demands (r=-0.334; p<0.05); FAC and general tasks and demand domain (r=0.327; p<0.05). Conclusion: Walking ability was significantly correlated with measures of domains and dimensions of social participation. KEYWORDS: Stroke, POPS, PARTS/M, CVA, Social Participation, Walking Ability.

Social participation and hemophilia: Self‐perception, social support, and their influence on boys in Canada

BackgroundPatients with hemophilia may experience joint damage, which can impair participation, yet few studies have examined the impact hemophilia may have on social participation and quality of life. ObjectivesThe aims of this study are to assess the relationship between patient social participation and self‐perception, social support, and impact on the family. Patients/MethodsA random representative sample of 50 boys with hemophilia from The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, completed measures of social participation (Participation Scale for kids), self‐perception (Self‐Perception Profile for children and adolescents), and social support (Social Support Scale for children). Participants' parents completed Family Impact Module of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Data were analyzed using Pearson product‐moment correlations. ResultsSocial participation was strongly correlated with self‐perception subscales Social Acceptance (r= −0.5, p= <0.001) and Global Self‐Worth (r= −0.6, p= <0.001) for all participants. The Athletic Competence subscale was strongly correlated for adolescents only (r= −0.6, p= <0.01). There were strong correlations between social participation and social support from parents (r= −0.6, p= <0.001), teachers (r= −0.5, p= <0.001), and classmates (r= −0.6, p= <0.001) and moderate correlations for support from close friends (r= −0.4, p= <0.01). There were no significant correlations with family impact. ConclusionIn the context of a country with unlimited access to safe clotting factor concentrates, boys with hemophilia have few social participation restrictions. Although correlational findings do not represent causality, they suggest that encouragement of social participation may be beneficial in boys with hemophilia to increase self‐perception as well as strengthen their social support network.

Clinical efficacy of aerobic exercise combined with computer-based cognitive training in stroke: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Purpose The objectives are to evaluate the effects of a sequential combination of aerobic exercise and cognitive training, compared with exercise or cognitive training alone, on cognitive function, physical function, daily function, quality of life, and social participation in stroke survivors with cognitive impairment. Methods This is a single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment (n = 56) were randomly assigned to aerobic exercise training (n = 18), computerized cognitive training (n = 18), and the sequential combination of aerobic exercise and computerized cognitive training (n = 20) group. All groups underwent training 60 min/day, 3 days/week, for a total of 12 weeks. The primary outcomes included Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Wechsler Memory Scale-Third Edition, and the Stroop color-word test. Secondary outcomes were the Timed Up and Go test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Functional Independence Measure, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Community Integration Questionnaire, and Stroke Impact Scale. Results 56 participants completed the trial. Compared with a single type of aerobic exercise or cognitive training, the combined training group showed significant improvement in MoCA (P < .05, η2 = 0.13), and two sub-tests in WMS-III (both P’s < 0.05) following the intervention. However, no between-group differences were observed for physical functions, daily function, quality of life, and social participation measures. Conclusions The findings provide evidence for the potential synergistic intervention in stroke survivors. Future studies investigating the transfer effects and the optimal training parameters with a larger sample is needed.

Factors leading to effective social participation promotion interventions for people with intellectual disability: a protocol for a systematic review

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities have been historically excluded from decision-making processes. Previous literature indicates that increasing social participation may be an effective way to address this exclusion, but no systematic review of interventions designed to increase social participation of people with intellectual disabilities have been conducted. This study aims to identify and organize the factors associated with interventions that increase the social participation of people with intellectual disabilities and to provide a set of best of practices for future interventions.Methods/designThe databases Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and PubMed will be searched for articles from January 2004 onwards; grey literature search will be identified through searching additional databases (such as Google Scholar and EBSCO databases). Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, and controlled pre–post studies will be included. Noncontrolled pre–post studies will also be included. Observational or qualitative studies will be excluded. The primary outcomes are measures of social participation. Secondary outcomes include measures of well-being, stigma, knowledge about rights, and advocacy processes. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract relevant data, and assess the quality of the studies. We will provide a meta-analysis of included studies if possible, or a quantitative narrative synthesis otherwise.DiscussionThis systematic review will add to our understanding of effective social participation interventions for people with intellectual disability. It will allow us to identify and organize which factors lead to an increase in social participation and help us define a set of best practices to be followed by future interventions.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020189093

Social Participation in Widowhood: Evidence From a 12-Year Panel.

Social participation is important to the quality of life of older adults, especially widows. This is the first study to test whether older widows' formal and informal social participation rises or declines using multiple panel observations pre- and postbereavement. This article also tests the moderating effects of economic and marital satisfaction, depression, and husband's illness before death on these trends. Seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing are used to track changes in 4 measures of social participation-meeting and contacting a child, meeting friends, and attending a formal group. A comparison group of married individuals, weighted with coarsened exact matching, controls for age and time trends. Mixed model regressions estimate the effects of widowhood over time. Social participation shows little change before bereavement and rises significantly after bereavement for all measures. However, frequencies of meeting and contacting a child peak and decline early postbereavement, while meeting friends and attending a group show delayed but long-lasting effects. With regard to moderators, economic and marital satisfaction are positively associated with overall social participation levels but negatively associated with social participation postbereavement. Increased social participation after bereavement underscores the resilience of widows and the social support they receive. However, differences in timing suggest that contact with children is gradually substituted with extrafamilial relationships in the long run. The negative moderating roles of economic and marital satisfaction point to a paradox where seemingly well-off individuals may be more vulnerable to widowhood.

A171 FACTORS OF SOCIAL PARTICIPATION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) imposes a significant burden on health-related quality of life, particularly in social domains. We sought to investigate the factors that limit social participation in patients with IBD. Aims Our first aim was to identify if active IBD symptoms had an effect on an objective measure of social participation. Our secondary aim was to determine if psychiatric comorbidity and/or active psychiatric symptoms in IBD patients had an influence on social participation. Methods We assessed a cohort of 239 Manitobans with IBD. We collected sociodemographic information, medical comorbidities, disease phenotype, symptom activity and psychiatric comorbidity (using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV). Participants completed the 8-item Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities questionnaire, which assesses participation restriction, including problems experienced in social interaction, employment, transportation, community, social, and civic life. Results Poorer social participation score were associated with earning less than average income (p&amp;lt;0.001), being unemployed (p&amp;lt;0.001), actively smoking (p=0.006), higher symptom scores, and having an increasing number of chronic medical conditions (R= -0.296). History of depression (p&amp;lt;0.001) and anxiety (p=0.001) and having active depression (p&amp;lt;0.001) and anxiety (p=0.001) all predicted poor social participation scores. Patient’s with UC on 5-ASA (PO/PR) seem to have higher social participation than other therapies. Phenotype was not predictive. Based on multivariate linear regression analysis, 38.8% of variability in social participation was explained by medical comorbidity, psychiatric comorbidity, psychiatric symptoms, and IBD related symptoms. Conclusions The factors that predict social participation by IBD patients include income, employment, smoking, medical comorbidities, IBD symptom burden, and psychiatric comorbidities. Multivariate linear regression suggests that the most relevant factors are medical comorbidity, psychiatric comorbidity, psychiatric symptoms, and IBD symptoms. Funding Agencies CIHRCrohn’s and Colitis Canada

Social Participation's Association with Falls and Frailty in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundThe global population is ageing rapidly, with the most dramatic increases in developing countries like Malaysia. Older people are at increased risk of multimorbidity, frailty and falls.ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to determine the relationship between social participation, frailty and falls in Malaysia.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a cross-sectional study of individuals aged 55 years and above selected from the electoral rolls of three Klang Valley parliamentary constituencies through stratified random sampling. They were invited to take part in a questionnaire and physical assessment as part of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study.MeasurementsFallers were individuals who had fallen in the previous year. Frailty was defined as meeting ≥3 of: low body mass index, reduced cognition, low physical activity, low hand-grip strength, and slow walking speed. Social participation was determined from employment status, social network, and community activity. Binomial logistic regression multivariant analysis was performed to identify links between the measures of social participation and falls and frailty.ResultsThe mean age of the 1383 participants was 68.5 years, with 57.1% female. Within the population, 22.9% were fallers and 9.3% were frail. Social isolation (OR= 2.119; 95% CI=1.351–3.324), and non-engagement in community activities (OR=2.548; 95% CI=1.107–5.865) were associated with increased frailty. Falls increased with social isolation (OR=1.327; 95% CI=1.004–1.754).ConclusionsPrevious studies have shown social participation to be linked to frailty and falls risk, and social isolation to be a predictor of falls. In this study frailty was associated with all three social participation measures and history of falls was associated with social isolation.

Driving Cessation and Social Participation in Late Life: A Systematic Review

Driving cessation is a major life transition in late life, and can affect the quality of social life in older adults. The present study aims to systematically review the literature on how driving cessation affects social participation among older adults in the US. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Extant literature published from 1990 to 2019 that examined driving cessation and social participation or social engagement among older adults in the US was searched using eight search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL, SocIndex, AgeLine, MedLine, Scopus, Transportation Research Board Publication Index, and Cochrane Library. Quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The assessment of methodological quality was also conducted for included studies. In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the included studies found significant relationships between driving cessation and at least one domain of social participation, such as volunteering, employment, leisure-time activities, and the frequency of contacts. However, the measures of social participation were inconsistent across studies, which might explain that no effects of driving cessation were found on the structure of social network, such as contacts with friends and extended family. There is a need to assist older adults in successfully transitioning to driving cessation and maintaining the social participation. The overall quality of included studies is moderate based on the assessment of risk of bias and confounding.

Cost-Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis: Health-Economic Evaluation Within a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundEvidence was found for the effectiveness of virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy (VR-CBT) for treating paranoia in psychosis, but health-economic evaluations are lacking.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the short-term cost-effectiveness of VR-CBT.MethodsThe health-economic evaluation was embedded in a randomized controlled trial evaluating VR-CBT in 116 patients with a psychotic disorder suffering from paranoid ideation. The control group (n=58) received treatment as usual (TAU) for psychotic disorders in accordance with the clinical guidelines. The experimental group (n=58) received TAU complemented with add-on VR-CBT to reduce paranoid ideation and social avoidance. Data were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months postbaseline. Treatment response was defined as a pre-post improvement of symptoms of at least 20% in social participation measures. Change in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was estimated by using Sanderson et al’s conversion factor to map a change in the standardized mean difference of Green’s Paranoid Thoughts Scale score on a corresponding change in utility. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated using 5000 bootstraps of seemingly unrelated regression equations of costs and effects. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were graphed for the costs per treatment responder gained and per QALY gained.ResultsThe average mean incremental costs for a treatment responder on social participation ranged between €8079 and €19,525, with 90.74%-99.74% showing improvement. The average incremental cost per QALY was €48,868 over the 6 months of follow-up, with 99.98% showing improved QALYs. Sensitivity analyses show costs to be lower when relevant baseline differences were included in the analysis. Average costs per treatment responder now ranged between €6800 and €16,597, while the average cost per QALY gained was €42,030.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that offering VR-CBT to patients with paranoid delusions is an economically viable approach toward improving patients’ health in a cost-effective manner. Long-term effects need further research.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 12929657; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12929657

The feasibility of an m-health educational programme (m2Hear) to improve outcomes in first-time hearing aid users

Objective To (i) assess the delivery, accessibility, usability, acceptability, and adherence, and (ii) identify suitable outcome measures, for a mobile-enhanced multimedia educational programme (m2Hear) in first-time hearing aid users. Design A prospective, single-centre feasibility study. Study sample First-time hearing aid users (n = 59), recruited at their initial hearing assessment. Evaluations were made at 1-week and at 10–12 weeks post-hearing aid fitting. Results m2Hear was most commonly accessed via tablets (42.3%). Usability was high for the System Usability Scale (88.5%), and the uMARS, particularly for the Information (M = 4.7), Functionality (M = 4.5) and Aesthetics (M = 4.2) subscales (maximum score = 5). Participant feedback was positive, with a high percent agreeing that m2Hear aided understanding of hearing aids (98%), held their interest (86%), improved confidence to use hearing aids and communicate (84%), and provided additional information to audiologist’s advice (82%). Learnings about practical hearing aid handling/maintenance skills and how to communicate with others were reportedly used equally in participant’s everyday lives. m2Hear was convenient to use, clear, concise and comprehensive. Outcome measures of social participation resulted in large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 1.6). Conclusions A theoretically-driven, personalised and co-designed educational m-health intervention is feasible and beneficial for use in the self-management of hearing loss and hearing aids.

Driving cessation and social participation in late life: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Driving cessation is a major life transition in late life and can affect the quality of social life in older adults. The present study aims to systematically review the literature on how driving cessation affects social participation among older adults in the US. The study selection followed the PRISMA. Extant literature published from 1990 to 2019 that examined driving cessation and social participation or social engagement among older adults in the US was searched using eight search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL, SocIndex, AgeLine, MedLine, Scopus, Transportation Research Board Publication Index, and Cochrane Library. Quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The assessment of methodological quality was also conducted for included studies. In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the included studies found significant relationships between driving cessation and at least one domain of social participation, such as volunteering, employment, leisure-time activities, and the frequency of contacts. In addition, the measures of social participation were inconsistent across studies, which might explain the mixed findings. There is a need to assist older adults in successfully transitioning to driving cessation and maintaining the social participation.

Social engagement mediates the relationship between participation in social activities and psychological distress among older adults

Objective Participation in social activities often has beneficial effects on mental health among older adults, although the reasons why this is true (i.e., mechanisms or mediators) have received less empirical attention. The objective of this study is to examine whether involvement in social activities is associated with less psychological distress because it fosters social engagement. Method We explored this hypothesis with a sample of 1089 community dwelling Canadians ranging in age from 65 to 93 who completed a cross-sectional online survey that included measures of social participation (i.e., number of activities, time spent in them, and volunteerism), social engagement (i.e., the number of friends and family they see, feel close to, and can discuss personal matters with), and psychological distress. Results Mediation analyses confirmed our hypothesis that participation in social activities had beneficial effects on psychological distress through social engagement. That is, individuals who participated in greater numbers of social activities were more likely to report social engagement, and greater social engagement was associated with less psychological distress. In addition, when we controlled for the effect of social engagement, involvement in greater numbers of social activities was associated with greater distress. Conclusion Our findings suggest that social engagement is a reason why participation in social activities has benefits for older adults’ mental health, and that increasing engagement, both within and outside of typical social activities, is a worthwhile target for efforts to improve mental health among the growing older adult population.

The Association Between Community Participation and Social Internet Use Among Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury

To assess the relationship between social internet use and a measure of social participation in the community among adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).