Abstract
The social isolation epidemic is particularly dire for older adults. We need to identify modifiable risk factors within the OT practice domain that are associated with the occupation of social participation for this group to develop targeted programs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Mansha Mirza
Additional Authors and Speakers: Heidi Christine Fischer, Dalmina Arias
A recent national advisory warns about the ‘epidemic’ of social isolation and its links with chronic disease, dementia, and premature death. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the ill effects of social isolation. This study examined what measures of self-efficacy, occupational performance, physical and executive functioning predict social participation in adults aging with chronic diseases. This study is part of a 2-arm parallel RCT investigating the efficacy of an OT-focused disease management and health promotion intervention. Cross-sectional baseline data were analyzed for 40 community-dwelling adults (avg age=67 yrs) with diabetes or heart disease. Participants were recruited from local clinics and community organizations. Measures for independent variables (IVs) included self-efficacy for chronic disease management, PROMIS Physical Function, Physical Performance Test, PROMIS Global Mental Health Subscale, Executive Function Performance Test, and Performance of Self-Care Skills. Dependent variable was measured using the Late Life Functioning and Disability Index. Hierarchical regression models were estimated with demographic variables as covariates and block entry of IVs. In model 1, self-efficacy for doing chores (β=2.87, p=.008) significantly predicted social participation with demographics and self-efficacy measures explaining 38% of the variance in social participation. In model 2, mental health (β=0.64, p=.017) and physical functioning (β=0.76, p=.021) significantly predicted social participation. 54% of the variance in social participation was explained with significant improvement in overall model fit (p=.009). Self-efficacy for doing chores, mental health, and physical functioning were the strongest predictors of social participation. These findings support use of interventions that holistically facilitate social participation by addressing client factors (mental health) and performance skills (self-efficacy & physical function).
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