Volume 14, Issue 4 (Fall 2025)
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Research code: Abzums.Rec.1395.52
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Rahimzadeh M, Kavehie B, Ghavidel N. Relationship between social support and general health of elderly women: application of second-order structural equation modeling. aumj 2025; 14 (4) : 3
URL: http://aums.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1927-en.html
URL: http://aums.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1927-en.html
1- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department. Public Health School, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
2- Faculty member of National Organization for Educational Testing, Tehran, Iran
3- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran ,ngh_med50@yahoo.com
2- Faculty member of National Organization for Educational Testing, Tehran, Iran
3- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran ,
Abstract: (32 Views)
Introduction: As population aging continues to rise globally, addressing the physical and mental needs of the elderly has become critical. With an increasing proportion of older women, they face greater discrimination and violence due to cultural, economic, and social challenges. This study aimed to investigate the impact of social support on general health among women over 60 using second-order Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modeling.
Method: A descriptive-analytical correlational study was conducted in healthcare centers, using census sampling among women over 60. Data were analyzed using second-order structural equation modeling and PLS Smart software. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Alborz University of Medical Sciences (IR.Abzums.Rec.1395.52), and informed consent was obtained.
Findings: The mean age of participants was 68.16 (SD: 7.3). Approximately 75% had limited education, and 70% were economically dependent on relatives. The model showed a good fit (SRMR = 0.063). Education and economic status explained 21. % of social support variance, which accounted for 39% of general health variance.
Conclusion: Social support had a moderate to strong predictive effect on general health. Addressing social support factors can be an effective and cost-efficient strategy to improve the health of elderly women.
Method: A descriptive-analytical correlational study was conducted in healthcare centers, using census sampling among women over 60. Data were analyzed using second-order structural equation modeling and PLS Smart software. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Alborz University of Medical Sciences (IR.Abzums.Rec.1395.52), and informed consent was obtained.
Findings: The mean age of participants was 68.16 (SD: 7.3). Approximately 75% had limited education, and 70% were economically dependent on relatives. The model showed a good fit (SRMR = 0.063). Education and economic status explained 21. % of social support variance, which accounted for 39% of general health variance.
Conclusion: Social support had a moderate to strong predictive effect on general health. Addressing social support factors can be an effective and cost-efficient strategy to improve the health of elderly women.
Article number: 3
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/07/02 | Accepted: 2025/08/25 | Published: 2025/10/27
Received: 2025/07/02 | Accepted: 2025/08/25 | Published: 2025/10/27
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