Social Cohesion Scale Research Articles

Examining the Association between Sedentary Lifestyle, Social Cohesion, and Loneliness among Obese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

The current study aimed to assess the relationship between the sedentary lifestyle, social cohesion, and loneliness among obese adults. The sample size was N=150 and the sample was recruited through purposive sampling from several fitness centers, hospitals, and the general population. Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (Rosenberg et al., 2010), Social Cohesion Scale (Williams et al., 2020), and Loneliness Scale (Russell et al., 1978) were used to measure the sedentary lifestyle, social cohesion, and loneliness. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between sedentary behavior and loneliness, whereas, there was a significant negative correlation between social cohesion and loneliness. The finding also showed that a sedentary lifestyle and social cohesion significantly negatively predicted loneliness among obese adults. The study concluded that a sedentary lifestyle and poor social cohesion play a significant role in predicting loneliness in obese adults. The study implied that it could help obese people improve their lifestyle and biopsychosocial functioning by understanding the importance of an active lifestyle and social cohesion, and it may also help researchers and practitioners carry out interventions for loneliness by considering the predictors.

Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Home Attachment, Neighborhood Attachment, and Social Capital

This study aimed to examine the association between neighborhood social cohesion and psychological well-being among older adults in Iran in 2020. A cross-sectional design was employed, with 414 older adults recruited using a clustered sampling technique. The data collection instruments included the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion scale, the Place Attachment Scale for Older Adults, and the Social Capital Assessment Tool. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and the PROCESS Macro model 4 in SPSS24. Neighborhood social capital was found to completely mediate the association between neighborhood cohesion and psychological well-being among older adults. These results suggest that policymakers should consider implementing targeted policies to enhance neighborhood cohesion in order to improve the psychological well-being of older adults.

DO SLEEP QUALITY AND SOCIAL COHESION MEDIATE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD DISORDER AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING?

Abstract Daily exposure to neighborhoods with high levels of disorder, such as public drinking, graffiti, and vandalism, has been linked to worse cognitive functioning and a higher risk for dementia in older adults. The present study examined the association between neighborhood disorder and cognitive functioning. This study also examined sleep quality and social cohesion as potential mediators of this association using Hayes’ (2013) Macro Process via bootstrapping method. The sample included cross-sectional data for 2,529 older adults (1,115 men and 1,482 women, age 70+) using the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Neighborhood disorder was measured as a 3-item scale capturing physical neighborhood characteristics completed by the interviewer (e.g., trash on sidewalks). The social cohesion scale measured participant agreement with 3 questions about their community (e.g., “People can be trusted”). The sleep quality scale measured participant responses to 3 questions about their sleep in the last month (e.g., taking 30+ minutes to fall asleep). Cognitive functioning was assessed using performance on tasks evaluating memory, orientation, and executive functioning. Results showed greater neighborhood disorder was associated with worse performance on cognitive tasks (B=-0.417; p<0.001). Results of mediation testing indicated that social cohesion was a significant mediator (B=0.224; p<0.0001). Though sleep quality was not a mediator, better sleep quality was associated with better cognitive functioning (B=0.053; p<0.05). Understanding the contribution of neighborhood disorder, sleep quality, and social cohesion to cognitive functioning will inform neighborhood-level interventions that can buffer cognitive decline in older adults aging in place.

Associations between neighbourhood social cohesion and subjective well-being in two different informal settlement types in Delhi, India: a quantitative cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationships between neighbourhood cohesion and subjective well-being (SWB) in two different informal settlement types.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a community-based survey.SettingCommunities in two districts, Sanjay Colony, Okhla Phase II...

Neighborhood social cohesion is associated with the willingness toward the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines among the Chinese older population

ABSTRACT Neighborhood social cohesion is a prominent psychosocial factor during the pandemic, and trust in neighbors is critical for implementing health prevention-related behaviors with public health messages. We planned to specifically explore the association between neighborhood social cohesion and vaccine acceptability among older adults (≥60 years) in China. Using a random stratified sampling method, an anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted in mainland China via a professional scientific data platform from May 25 to June 8, 2022. A revised Social Cohesion Scale was applied to evaluate the level of neighborhood social cohesion. Of the 3,321 recruited respondents aged 60 and above, 82.8% (95% CI: 81.5–84.1) reported their willingness to be vaccinated. With all significant covariates adjusted, older adults with moderate (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.04–3.04) and high level of social cohesion (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.29–3.77) were more likely to receive the booster dose. Our findings remained robust in a series of models after controlling for different covariates. Uncertainty about contraindications (38.3%), underestimation of their vulnerability (33.1%), and concerns about vaccine safety (32.0%) were the three main reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, building a harmonious community environment, strengthening neighborhood communication and exchange, and making good use of peer education among neighbors may become a breakthrough to promote herd immunity, especially for vulnerable older adults with limited social networks.

Race and Ethnicity Differences in Walking and Associations with Neighborhood Perceptions among Older Adults in California.

This paper estimates differences in walking and associations of walking with neighborhood perceptions among older adults in California. We analyzed the restricted-use California Health Interview Survey data merged with the American Community Survey data. Walking at least 10minutes for leisure in the last 7days and number of minutes walked were regressed on perceived neighborhood social cohesion scale (PNSCS) and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. We estimated ordinary least squares regression models. We found that positive neighborhood perceptions were significantly (p< 0.05) associated with walking among older Hispanic and Asian adults. Older Hispanic adults with above median PNSCS report that they walk 6.3 percentage points more than Non-Hispanic White adults. Older adults' perceptions of their neighbors and neighborhoods are positively correlated with walking. Policymakers can consider ways to improve neighborhood perceptions and relationships to help increase walking among minority older adults especially in low SES neighborhoods.

How Is Connectedness With Nature Linked to Life Satisfaction or Depression Among Chinese People Living in Rural Low-Income Households? A Serial Mediation Model.

ObjectivesIn this study a serial multiple mediation model is tested to investigate the potential sequentially-mediating effect of affect balance and social cohesion on the association between connectedness to nature and life satisfaction or depression.MethodsA total of 675 Chinese people from Jiangsu province living in rural low-income households participated in the study. The Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS), the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Social cohesion scale (SCS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ9) were measured in this paper.ResultsResults indicated that the multiple serial mediation of affect balance and social cohesion on the association between connectedness to nature and life satisfaction was significant among the full-size sample, the adult-report, and the old people report, but that this effect is relatively small. Specifically, serial mediation accounted for 2.01, 1.69, 2.67% of the total effect explained by connectedness to nature on life satisfaction, while it accounted for 2.66, 2.35, 2.91% of the total effect explained by connectedness to nature on depression among the full sample population, adults, and old people, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings corroborate the important roles of affect balance and social cohesion in activating connectedness to nature. We discussed the possible ways that affect balance and social cohesion might enhance life satisfaction and decrease depression for Chinese people living in rural low-income households. We also discussed the limitations of this study. More mechanisms could be considered in future studies.

Validation of a Multidimensional Social Cohesion Scale: A Case in Urban Areas of Mexico

People have been interested in social cohesion and its implications in different areas of social life from the classic sociology authors until today. Besides its multidimensional nature, this compl...

Social cohesion, mental wellbeing and health-related quality of life among a cohort of social housing residents in Cornwall: a cross sectional study

BackgroundResearch and policy have identified social cohesion as a potentially modifiable determinant of health and wellbeing that could contribute to more sustainable development. However, the function of social cohesion appears to vary between communities. The aim of this study was to analyse the levels of, and associations, between social cohesion, mental wellbeing, and physical and mental health-related quality of life among a cohort of social housing residents from low socioeconomic status communities in Cornwall, UK. Social housing is below market-rate rental accommodation made available to those in certain health or economic circumstances. These circumstances may impact on the form and function of social cohesion.MethodsDuring recruitment, participants in the Smartline project completed the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, SF-12v2 and an eight item social cohesion scale. Cross sectional regression analyses of these data adjusted for gender, age, national identity, area socioeconomic status, rurality, education, employment, and household size were undertaken to address the study aim.ResultsComplete data were available from 305 (92.7%) participants in the Smartline project. Univariable analyses identified a significant association between social cohesion, mental wellbeing and mental health-related quality of life. Within fully adjusted multivariable models, social cohesion only remained significantly associated with mental wellbeing. Sensitivity analyses additionally adjusting for ethnicity and duration of residence, where there was greater missing data, did not alter the findings.ConclusionsAmong a relatively homogeneous cohort, the reported level of social cohesion was only found to be significantly associated with higher mental wellbeing, not physical or mental health-related quality of life. The efforts made by social housing providers to offer social opportunities to all their residents regardless of individual physical or mental health state may support the development of a certain degree of social cohesion. Sense of control or safety in communities may be more critical to health than social cohesion. Additional observational research is needed before attempts are made to alter social cohesion to improve health.

Is neighbourhood social cohesion associated with subjective well-being for older Chinese people? The neighbourhood social cohesion study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hong Kong version of Neighbourhood Cohesion Instrument (HK-NCI) and examine whether neighbourhood social cohesion as measured using HK-NCI would be associated with evaluative,...

Validation of a Multidimensional Social Cohesion Scale: A Case in Urban Areas of Mexico

People have been interested in social cohesion and its implications in different areas of social life from the classic sociology authors until today. Besides its multidimensional nature, this complex construct also faces the issue of measurement. For this reason, the objective of this article is to adapt and validate a scale that measures in a multidimensional way social cohesion for urban areas. The results obtained through Cronbach’s α coefficient, McDonald’s Ω coefficient, and confidence intervals for both coefficients show that the resulting questions have high levels of discrimination and an acceptable reliability, so the scale developed is valid methodologically.

Association of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation with Social Cohesion and Financial Worry based on Race and Ethnicity among U.S. Adults

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the U.S. Besides sociodemographic factors, however, little is known about what predicts SNAP participation. Given that SNAP increases food security and access to healthy food, it is critical to understand factors that predict its use. This study examined how social cohesion and financial worry predict SNAP participation, and how the prediction differs by race and ethnicity.Data were from the 2013–2015 waves of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). We restricted the analytic sample to households with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (n=27,582). We constructed a social cohesion scale (range: 0–12) that summed four Likert‐type items related to: getting help from neighbors, living in a close‐knit community, counting on neighbors, and trusting neighbors. We also constructed a financial worry scale (range: 0–18) that summed six Likert‐type items measuring financial worry about: retirement, standard of living, healthcare costs, medical accidents, paying bills, and housing costs. Higher scores on each index indicate higher social cohesion or financial worry. Multiple‐variable logistic regression was used to test the association between SNAP participation, social cohesion, and financial worry, accounting for NHIS complex survey sampling and adjusted for sociodemographic factors, household food security status, neighborhood tenure, home ownership status and self‐perceived health status.Thirty‐seven percent of respondents reported SNAP participation in the last 12 months. The mean social cohesion score was 7.48 (± 0.04) and the mean financial worry score was 8.80 (± 0.06). Each 1‐unit increase in social cohesion was associated with 0.97 times the odds of SNAP participation (95% CI: 0.96–0.98). The association between financial worry and SNAP participation was modified by race and ethnicity (P&lt;0.001). Among African‐Americans, SNAP participation was not associated with financial worry. Among Hispanics, SNAP participation was lower with higher financial worry. Among whites and other races, SNAP participation was higher with higher financial worry.Financial worry and social cohesion are two independent predictors of SNAP participation among US adults. Furthermore, financial worry differentially predicted SNAP participation based on race and ethnicity. Research is needed to understand why higher social cohesion predicts lower SNAP participation and why financial worry differentially predicts SNAP participation based on race and ethnicity.Support or Funding InformationThe views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not represent the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. The authors have no source of research support to disclose.

Social Cohesion Among Sex Workers and Client Condom Refusal in a Canadian Setting: Implications for Structural and Community-Led Interventions.

Community empowerment can be a powerful determinant of HIV risk among sex workers (SWs). This study modeled the impact of social cohesion on client condom refusal among SWs in Vancouver. Longitudinal data were drawn from a prospective cohort of SWs (2010-2013). Lippman and colleagues' Social Cohesion Scale measured SWs' connectedness (i.e., perception of mutual aid, trust, support). Multivariable logistic regression examined the independent effect of social cohesion on client condom refusal. Of 654 SWs, 22% reported baseline client condom refusal and 34% over 3years. The baseline median social cohesion score was 24 (IQR 20-29, range 4-45). In the final confounding model, for every one-point increase in the social cohesion score, average odds of condom refusal decreased by 3% (AOR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99). Community empowerment can have a direct protective effect on HIV risk. These findings highlight the need for a legal framework that enables collectivization and SW-led efforts in the HIV response.

Household and neighborhood conditions partially account for associations between education and physical capacity in the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Socioeconomic resources, such as education, prevent disability but are not readily modifiable. We tested the hypothesis that household and neighborhood conditions, which may be modifiable, partially account for associations between education and physical capacity in a population-based sample of older adults.The National Health and Aging Trends Study measured education (<high school, high school, some college, and ≥Bachelor's), household and neighborhood conditions, using a 16-item environmental checklist and a 3-item social cohesion scale, and physical capacity with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength and peak expiratory flow. Structural equation models were used to decompose total educational effects into direct effects and indirect effects via household and neighborhood conditions, using sample weights and adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, household size, BMI, self-reported health, and number of medical conditions in 6874 community-dwelling participants.Education was directly associated with SPPB scores (β = 0.055, p < 0.05) and peak flow (β = 0.095, p < 0.05), but not grip strength. Also, indirect effects were found for household disorder with SPPB scores (β = 0.013, p < 0.05), grip strength (β = 0.007, p < 0.05), and peak flow (β = 0.010, p < 0.05). Indirect effects were also found for street disorder with SPPB scores (β = 0.012, p < 0.05). Indirect effects of household and neighborhood conditions accounted for approximately 35%, 27% and 14% of the total association between education and SPPB scores, grip strength level, and peak expiratory flow level, respectively.Household disorder and street disorder partially accounted for educational disparities in physical capacity. However, educational disparities in SPPB scores and peak expiratory flow persisted after accounting for household and neighborhood conditions and chronic conditions, suggesting additional pathways. Interventions and policies aiming to support aging in place should consider addressing household-level and street-level disorder.

Environmental factors associated with primary care access among urban older adults

Disparities in primary care access and quality impede optimal chronic illness prevention and management for older adults. Although research has shown associations between neighborhood attributes and health, little is known about how these factors – in particular, the primary care infrastructure – inform older adults’ primary care use. Using geographic data on primary care physician supply and surveys from 1260 senior center attendees in New York City, we examined factors that facilitate and hinder primary care use for individuals living in service areas with different supply levels. Supply quartiles varied in primary care use (visit within the past 12 months), racial and socio-economic composition, and perceived neighborhood safety and social cohesion. Primary care use did not differ significantly after controlling for compositional factors. Individuals who used a community clinic or hospital outpatient department for most of their care were less likely to have had a primary care visit than those who used a private doctor’s office. Stratified multivariate models showed that within the lowest-supply quartile, public transit users had a higher odds of primary care use than non-transit users. Moreover, a higher score on the perceived neighborhood social cohesion scale was associated with a higher odds of primary care use. Within the second-lowest quartile, nonwhites had a lower odds of primary care use compared to whites. Different patterns of disadvantage in primary care access exist that may be associated with – but not fully explained by – local primary care supply. In lower-supply areas, racial disparities and inadequate primary care infrastructure hinder access to care. However, accessibility and elder-friendliness of public transit, as well as efforts to improve social cohesion and support, may facilitate primary care access for individuals living in low-supply areas.

The ropes and challenge course: a quasi-experimental examination.

In answering the call for empirical documentation of the effect of ropes and challenge course participation on the psychosocial function and sport performance of athletes and teams, exploratory studies have identified postcourse changes in group cohesion and approaches to sport competition. The purpose of the current study was to utilize a pretest-posttest comparison group design to expand knowledge in this area. 35 members of a girls' high school tennis team participated. The 16 individuals who participated in a preseason program and the 19 individuals who did not comprised the treatment and comparison groups, respectively. Team members completed the Group Environment Questionnaire and the Sport Orientation Questionnaire four days prior to and two days after the course experience. A series of 2 x 2 analyses of variance, (group x time) run on each of the scales, gave a significant group x time interaction on one social cohesion scale but none for scores on the Sport Orientation Questionnaire. The findings are discussed in relation to research and the implementation of these programs with athletes.

Viscosity and social cohesion in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Clinical case reports suggest that viscosity, the behavioural tendency to talk repetitively and circumstantially about a restricted range of topics, is common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Such patients are also reported to exhibit heightened levels of social cohesion, the tendency to become interpersonally "clingy". This "sticky" interpersonal style may be particularly common in TLE patients with a left sided temporal lobe seizure focus. To test this hypothesis, self-report and observer rating scales were developed to assess both viscosity and social cohesion. Subjects consisted of patients with right, left, or bilateral temporal lobe seizure foci, absence or primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures, psychiatric controls (panic disorder patients), and normal controls. Elevations on the viscosity scale were observed primarily in TLE patients with left or bilateral seizure foci. Viscosity scores also correlated with seizure duration and left handedness. No group differences were observed on the social cohesion scale. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that viscosity results from subtle interictal language disturbances, although other pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.