TY - JOUR
T1 - Social networks and health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic
T2 - a qualitative study among older adults in the Netherlands
AU - Steijvers, Lisanne C. J.
AU - Leeferink, Floor
AU - Brinkhues, Stephanie
AU - Hoebe, Christian J. P. A.
AU - Dukers-Muijrers, Nicole H. T. M.
PY - 2023/6/1
Y1 - 2023/6/1
N2 - AimSocial networks, all social relationships that people have, may influence people's health behavior and well-being, which was evaluated in this qualitative study in older adults. Furthermore, we evaluated people's needs for strengthening social networks.Subject and methodsFor this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and July 2021 among 24 adults aged 60 years and older.ResultsRespondents provided information on social network structure (number and types of relations) and function (social support). They received informational support from friends, emotional support from their partner/spouse, and all types of support (including practical support) from family. Respondents stated that their health behavior was mainly influenced by a partner/spouse. Family and friends were mostly for socializing. To strengthen networks, in-person bilateral or small group interactions were preferred.ConclusionFamily and friends were important social supporters and positively influenced health behaviors. This study emphasizes the importance of social networks in health promotion.
AB - AimSocial networks, all social relationships that people have, may influence people's health behavior and well-being, which was evaluated in this qualitative study in older adults. Furthermore, we evaluated people's needs for strengthening social networks.Subject and methodsFor this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and July 2021 among 24 adults aged 60 years and older.ResultsRespondents provided information on social network structure (number and types of relations) and function (social support). They received informational support from friends, emotional support from their partner/spouse, and all types of support (including practical support) from family. Respondents stated that their health behavior was mainly influenced by a partner/spouse. Family and friends were mostly for socializing. To strengthen networks, in-person bilateral or small group interactions were preferred.ConclusionFamily and friends were important social supporters and positively influenced health behaviors. This study emphasizes the importance of social networks in health promotion.
KW - Social relationships
KW - Social network structure
KW - Social network function
KW - Social support
KW - Health behavior
KW - COVID-19 pandemic
KW - SUPPORT
KW - LONELINESS
KW - FAMILY
KW - LIFE
U2 - 10.1007/s10389-023-01947-9
DO - 10.1007/s10389-023-01947-9
M3 - Article
C2 - 37361294
SN - 2198-1833
JO - Journal of Public Health
JF - Journal of Public Health
ER -