Validation of an abbreviated version of the Lubben Social Network Scale ("LSNS-6") and its associations with suicidality among older adults in China

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 13; no. 8; p. e0201612
• Main Authors: Chang, Qingsong, Sha, Feng, Chan, Chee Hon, Yip, Paul S F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 02.08.2018; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Adults; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis; Behavior; China; Computer and Information Sciences; Consistency; Control; Correlation analysis; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Medicine and Health Sciences; Middle Aged; Middle aged persons; Older people; People and Places; Psychological aspects; Regression analysis; Reliability aspects; Risk factors; Social interactions; Social Networking; Social networks; Social organization; Social Sciences; Social support; Suicidal behavior; Suicide; Suicide - statistics & numerical data; Suicides & suicide attempts; Surveys and Questionnaires; China; Beijing China; New York; Hong Kong
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201612

This present study aims to estimate the structural validity, internal consistency reliability of the LSNS-6 and examine the associations between the LSNS-6 and suicidal outcomes among mainland Chinese older adults. This validation study used a big representative sample (N = 2819) of older adults in Beijing from the Sample Survey on Aged Population in Urban/Rural China. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were applied to examine the factor structures of the Chinese version of LSNS-6. Internal consistency reliability of the LSNS-6 was examined by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the corrected item-total correlation. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between the LSNS-6 and late-life death wishes, suicidal ideation in mainland Chinese. This present study showed good internal consistency and consistent factor structure of the LSNS-6 as well as its subscales. The present data demonstrated the LSNS-6 could be a useful tool for assessing social networks among older mainland Chinese. Interestingly, among the mainland Chinese, late-life suicidality was highly associated with the LSNS-6 family subscale, rather than the friends subscale. The LSNS-6 could be a useful tool for assessing social networks among older mainland Chinese. In addition, suggestion is made to improve social networks, especially in family bonds and support, as a promising strategy in reducing late-life suicide risks in mainland China.