# Prevalence and associated factors of social frailty among older adults in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly a quarter of older adults in nursing homes experience social frailty, linked to factors like education, loneliness, and depression.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific factors associated with social frailty in nursing home residents using a cross-sectional design.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of social frailty among nursing home residents was 23.9%.
- Education level, loneliness, and depression were significant predictors of social frailty.
- Residents' willingness to reside and social network also influenced social frailty.

## Abstract

To investigate the prevalence of social frailty among older adults in nursing homes, and to explore the associated factors of social frailty.

A cross-sectional study.

From September to December 2024, a convenience sample of 447 older adults was recruited from nine nursing homes in Chongqing, China. Social frailty was assessed using the HALFT scale, with a score of ≥ 3 indicating the presence of social frailty, Data were collected on demographic and disease characteristics, loneliness, depression, and social network. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied for data analysis.

The prevalence of social frailty was 23.9% among older adults in nursing homes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that education level (OR = 0.306, 95% CI:0.099–0.945, p < 0.001), willingness to reside (OR = 2.816, 95% CI:1.147–6.915, p = 0.024), loneliness (OR = 1.354, 95% CI:1.214–1.510, p < 0.001), depression (OR = 1.753, 95% CI:1.229–2.499, p = 0.002), and social network (OR = 0.955, 95% CI:0.914–0.999, p = 0.043) were independent factors associated with social frailty.

Social frailty is a common problem among older adults in nursing homes. Healthcare providers should develop preventive strategies based on these factors to reduce the onset and progression of social frailty among older adults in nursing homes.