Razak M Gyasi1, Samuel Adu-Gyamfi2, Bernard Obeng3, Edward Asamoah4, Isaac Kisiangani5, Vollan Ochieng6, Kubi Appiah7. 1. African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya. Electronic address: RGyasi@aphrc.org. 2. Department of History and Political Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Electronic address: mcgyamfi@yahoo.com. 3. Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Electronic address: obeng368@gmail.com. 4. Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Electronic address: eddylinc@yahoo.co.uk. 5. African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya. Electronic address: ikisiangani@aphrc.org. 6. African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya. Electronic address: vochieng@aphrc.org. 7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR. Electronic address: kubi@link.cuhk.edu.hk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for poor health. However, it is unclear how physical activity (PA) is associated with perceived social isolation (PSI) in older age. This study aims to explore 1) association between PA and PSI among older people in Ghana and 2) if social participation (SP), age and sex modify any associations. METHODS: The study focused on 1,201 men and women aged ≥50 years in the AgeHeaPsyWel-HeaSeeB Study. Multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) models were specified to estimate the regression coefficients and standard errors for the associations of PA and SP with PSI adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Multivariate OLS regressions showed that engagement in SP (b = -0.442; SE = 0.140; p < 0.001) and regular PA (b = -0.338; SE = 0.152; p < 0.005) were independently associated with decreasing PSI. Also, SP modified the PA-PSI association such that resourceful SP reinforced the link between PA and PSI (b = -0.709; SE = 0.276; p < .005). Finding revealed sex (men: b= -0.712; SE = 0.266; p < 0.005; women: p = 0.083) and age differences (65+: b = -0.437; SE = 0.206; p < 0.005; 50-64: b = -0.502; SE = 0.252; p < 0.05) in the effect of PA on PSI. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide insight into the importance of specific and combined effects of SP and PA on PSI in older age. Public health, clinical practice, and social policy efforts should target social healing and group PA interventions to improve older adults' emotional health.
BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for poor health. However, it is unclear how physical activity (PA) is associated with perceived social isolation (PSI) in older age. This study aims to explore 1) association between PA and PSI among older people in Ghana and 2) if social participation (SP), age and sex modify any associations. METHODS: The study focused on 1,201 men and women aged ≥50 years in the AgeHeaPsyWel-HeaSeeB Study. Multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) models were specified to estimate the regression coefficients and standard errors for the associations of PA and SP with PSI adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Multivariate OLS regressions showed that engagement in SP (b = -0.442; SE = 0.140; p < 0.001) and regular PA (b = -0.338; SE = 0.152; p < 0.005) were independently associated with decreasing PSI. Also, SP modified the PA-PSI association such that resourceful SP reinforced the link between PA and PSI (b = -0.709; SE = 0.276; p < .005). Finding revealed sex (men: b= -0.712; SE = 0.266; p < 0.005; women: p = 0.083) and age differences (65+: b = -0.437; SE = 0.206; p < 0.005; 50-64: b = -0.502; SE = 0.252; p < 0.05) in the effect of PA on PSI. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide insight into the importance of specific and combined effects of SP and PA on PSI in older age. Public health, clinical practice, and social policy efforts should target social healing and group PA interventions to improve older adults' emotional health.
Authors: Razak M Gyasi; Prince Peprah; Kabila Abass; Lawrencia Pokua Siaw; Yvonne Dodzi Ami Adjakloe; Emmanuel Kofi Garsonu; David R Phillips Journal: Prev Med Rep Date: 2022-01-29