Social Engagement Patterns in Older Cancer Survivors Influence Outcomes

Using secondary data analysis, researchers identified classes of social engagement among older cancer survivors (OCSs) and their influence on symptoms of depression and life satisfaction. These findings were reported in the journal Oncology Nursing Forum.

The data were from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLSoA), a longitudinal panel survey of nationally representative, community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older. KLSoA participants were surveyed at baseline in 2006 and every 2 years thereafter until 2020.

This analysis used KLSoA data obtained in 2020 and latent class analysis to identify 3 classes of social engagement: religiously centered, diverse social participation, and passive participation. 

Data on health-related characteristics and social engagements were included in this study. Social engagement considered patterns of social activities, employment status, and frequency of contact with a close social network. 

Inclusion criteria for this study were to have a cancer diagnosis and be aged 65 years and older. Of the original study population of 6488, 376 were eligible. Slightly more than half were female (53%) and 56% were 75 years and older, with 70% being married. 

Across the 3 social engagement classes, 35 participants were allocated to the religiously centered group, 42 to the diverse social participation group, and 299 to the passive participation group. The social engagement classes showed significant differences in multiple demographic factors. 

Depressive symptoms were significantly higher among participants in the passive participation group than in the diverse social participation and the religiously centered groups (P <.001). However, life satisfaction scores did not significantly differ across the 3 social engagement classes (P =.302). 

The mean score for instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) was highest in the passive participation group. Based on the results of 2 analytical models, IADL score was a factor that appeared to show significant relationships with scores for depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. 

The study investigators suggest future research should evaluate relationships between IADL scores and social engagement.

“Customized programs are needed to allow OCSs to participate in various social activities based on their characteristics,” the study investigators noted.

These results can guide development of social engagement strategies to manage depressive symptoms and enhance life satisfaction for OCSs, the investigators concluded in their report.