Social Network Ties and Inflammation in U.S. Adults with Cancer

The growing evidence linking social connectedness and chronic diseases such as cancer calls for a better understanding of the underlying biophysiological mechanisms. This study assessed the associations between social network ties and multiple measures of inflammation in a nationally representative...

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Published inBiodemography and social biology Vol. 60; no. 1; pp. 21 - 37
Main Authors Yang, Yang Claire, Li, Ting, Frenk, Steven M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Routledge 02.01.2014
Subjects
C-Reactive Protein - analysis
Female
Fibrinogen - analysis
Humans
Inflammation - complications
Inflammation - epidemiology
Inflammation - psychology
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms - etiology
Neoplasms - psychology
Nutrition Surveys
Risk Factors
Serum Albumin - analysis
Social Isolation - psychology
Social Support
United States - epidemiology
United States
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Summary:The growing evidence linking social connectedness and chronic diseases such as cancer calls for a better understanding of the underlying biophysiological mechanisms. This study assessed the associations between social network ties and multiple measures of inflammation in a nationally representative sample of adults with a history of cancer (N = 1,075) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-94). Individuals with lower social network index (SNI) scores showed significantly greater inflammation marked by C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, adjusting for age and sex. Compared to fully socially integrated individuals (SNI = 4), those who were more socially isolated or had a SNI score of 3 or less exhibited increasingly elevated inflammation burdens. Specifically, the age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios (95%CI) for SNIs of 3, 2, and 0-1 were 1.49 (1.08, 2.06), 1.69 (1.21, 2.36), and 2.35 (1.62, 3.40), respectively (p < .001). Adjusting for other covariates attenuated these associations. The SNI gradients in the risks of inflammation were particularly salient for the lower socioeconomic status groups and remained significant after adjusting for other social, health behavioral, and illness factors. This study provided initial insights into the immunological pathways by which social connections are related to morbidity and mortality outcomes of cancer in particular and aging-related diseases in general.
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ISSN:1948-5565
1948-5573
DOI:10.1080/19485565.2014.899452