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How social factors relate to arthritis risk in Chinese older adults: population-based evidence.

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Title: How social factors relate to arthritis risk in Chinese older adults: population-based evidence.
Authors: Xu L; Department of Orthopedic, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China., Fu J; School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada., Zhai B; Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China., Li J; Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
Source: Frontiers in public health [Front Public Health] 2025 Jun 18; Vol. 13, pp. 1604582. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Jun 18 (Print Publication: 2025).
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Frontiers Editorial Office Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101616579 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2296-2565 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 22962565 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Front Public Health Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Lausanne : Frontiers Editorial Office
MeSH Terms: Social Support* , Arthritis*/epidemiology , Social Factors* , Social Participation*, Humans ; Female ; Male ; Aged ; China/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Longitudinal Studies ; Risk Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; East Asian People
Abstract: Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Background: Arthritis prevalence is rising among older adults globally, including in China, where the aging population is increasing. Social factors, such as social networks, participation, and support, have been associated with inflammation response. However, limited research has explored how these factors affect arthritis in Chinese older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between social factors and arthritis risk using data from the 2017-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS).
Methods: A total of 15,854 individuals aged 60 and above were included. Arthritis status was assessed through self-reports, and key social factors-social network size, social participation, and social support were measured. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze associations, adjusting for demographic and health-related variables.
Results: A larger social network was associated with a lower risk of arthritis (OR = 0.963, p  = 0.015). Higher social participation, however, was associated with a higher risk (OR = 1.027, p  = 0.007). Emotional support demonstrated a protective effect (OR = 0.963, p  = 0.006), while instrumental support showed no significant impact. A significant interaction between social participation and emotional support ( p  = 0.008) indicated that emotional support mitigates the elevated risk of arthritis associated with high social participation.
Conclusion: Social factors play a crucial role in arthritis risk among older adults. While broader social networks and emotional support appear beneficial, increased social participation may contribute to higher risk. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to promote healthy aging.
(Copyright © 2025 Xu, Fu, Zhai and Li.)
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Contributed Indexing: Keywords: arthritis; emotional support; older adults; social factors; social participation
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20250704 Date Completed: 20250704 Latest Revision: 20250728
Update Code: 20250729
PubMed Central ID: PMC12223137
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1604582
PMID: 40612550
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.<br />Background: Arthritis prevalence is rising among older adults globally, including in China, where the aging population is increasing. Social factors, such as social networks, participation, and support, have been associated with inflammation response. However, limited research has explored how these factors affect arthritis in Chinese older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between social factors and arthritis risk using data from the 2017-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS).<br />Methods: A total of 15,854 individuals aged 60 and above were included. Arthritis status was assessed through self-reports, and key social factors-social network size, social participation, and social support were measured. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze associations, adjusting for demographic and health-related variables.<br />Results: A larger social network was associated with a lower risk of arthritis (OR = 0.963, p  = 0.015). Higher social participation, however, was associated with a higher risk (OR = 1.027, p  = 0.007). Emotional support demonstrated a protective effect (OR = 0.963, p  = 0.006), while instrumental support showed no significant impact. A significant interaction between social participation and emotional support ( p  = 0.008) indicated that emotional support mitigates the elevated risk of arthritis associated with high social participation.<br />Conclusion: Social factors play a crucial role in arthritis risk among older adults. While broader social networks and emotional support appear beneficial, increased social participation may contribute to higher risk. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to promote healthy aging.<br /> (Copyright © 2025 Xu, Fu, Zhai and Li.)
ISSN:2296-2565
DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1604582