Social factors contributing to the development of allostatic load in older adults: A correlational-predictive study

Abstract

Objective: To determine if social factors, such as housing conditions, satisfaction with one’s house, neighborhood characteristics, social support, family relations and church attendance affect allostatic load in older adults. Materials and method: A correlational-predictive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The instruments used were sociodemographic data, the perceived family relationships instrument, the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey and the abbreviated version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. The allostatic load biomarkers used were: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, glycated hemoglobin, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein. Sample size was estimated to contrast the no relation (R2 = 0) hypotheis in a multiple lineal regression model with 11 covariables, with a significance level of.05, power of 90% (.90), when coefficient of determination (R2) is.15, resulting in a sample of 131 older adults. The statistical analysis included descriptive measures and generalized linear models. Results: The participants had either medium-or high-risk allostatic load. Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that better housing conditions, satisfaction with own house, presence of dead-end streets, and church attendance reduce allostatic load, while dangerous traffic increases allostatic load. Conclusions: There are several social factors contributing to the development of allostatic� load in older adults. It is necessary to create nursing care strategies toward the social environment to decrease allostatic load in older adults.