Analysis of the Relationship between the Social Networks of the Elderly and the Health Status and Utilization of Medical Services in Bijar in 1398

Population ageing has turned its health impact into a critical problem. Iran will soon encounter such a crisis, but the capacity of social networks can be helpful in controlling this crisis. The present study was conducted to analyze the relationship of the social networks of the aged with health impact from the health and health services Utilization points of view.

In a survey-based manner, a total of 356 individuals were selected from a statistical population of 4777 subjects(≥60 in Bijar city, 2019) using multi-stage cluster sampling and interviewed using the GHQ-28, SNI and made-researcher scale of health services Utilization, questionnaires based on self-relate and home-visit manners. The data were analyzed using SPSS-18 with Pearson, T-test and MANOVA tests.

The average age of the participants is 70 of whom 40.2% are male, 59.8% are female, 64.9% have spouse and 35.1% do not have spouse. The analysis reveals that the weak network with public, physical, psychological. Social and strong network with public, physical and social health have direct correlation (P<0.05). Network size and group membership with public, social, physical and psychological health, intimacy with public, psychological and social health, contact frequency with public, social, psychological and physical health, proximity with public, physical and psychological health have direct correlation(P<0.05). social network and strong network with secondary health services consumption, group membership with health services and primary services consumption, intimacy with secondary services, contact frequency with health services and secondary services have converse correlation(P<0.05). MANOVA confirms the main effects by investigating the effects of levels, indices and network resources(P<0.05).

Social networks, even weak ones, are good predictors of the increase of health and the decrease of service Utilization. Social policy making for expanding natural networks through the promotion of contacts with children and relatives and expanding artificial networks is suggested.