Social Engagement and Depressive Symptoms: Differential Effects in Older Adults with and without Cancer
2024
Social Engagement and Depression in Older Adults with and without Cancer
Sample size: 1712
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Babenko Natalia, Elayoubi Joanne, Haley William, Small Brent
Primary Institution: University of South Florida
Hypothesis
Does social connection and engagement provide greater protective effects against depressive symptoms in cancer survivors compared to those without cancer?
Conclusion
Social connection and engagement are associated with fewer depressive symptoms, especially for cancer survivors who are partnered.
Supporting Evidence
- Social connection and engagement were associated with fewer depressive symptoms before and after cancer onset.
- The protective effects were stronger for partnered cancer survivors living in larger households.
- Cancer survivors who were partnered pre-cancer showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms post-cancer.
Takeaway
Having friends and being social can help older people feel less sad, especially if they have cancer.
Methodology
Analyzed longitudinal data from 856 cancer survivors and 856 matched non-cancer controls using multilevel modeling.
Participant Demographics
Older adults, including cancer survivors and matched controls.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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