Social network characteristics and perceived social support in middle aged and older adult residents of Appalachian Ohio and Kentucky

Social networks impact health in multiple ways, including the provision of social support. While social support is associated with greater well-being and lower mortality, some tightly-knit networks can be detrimental to health when poor norms and behaviors are shared or network ties are a drain on a network member. Social networks are perceived as a powerful influence in Appalachian culture, but few studies have examined the structure of social networks and social support among this population. This study investigates network configurations in relation to social support in a sample of 138 adult residents of Appalachian Ohio and Kentucky (mean age 50 years). Interviewers collected network data from each participant (ego) and information about up to 9 members of their network (alters), as well as perceived social support (PSS) using the MOS social support scale, demographics, and other characteristics. In a linear model of network characteristics controlling for basic demographics, network size significantly predicts lower PSS, with each network member decreasing total PSS by 1.58 (95% CI: -2.87, -0.29). Each alter with some college or more increased PSS by 1.35 (95%CI: 0.21, 2.48) and greater mean closeness to alters in the network (B=3.46, 95%CI: 0.44, 6.48) significantly increased perceived social support. Network density, or how interconnected the network is, was not a significant predictor of social support. Additional analyses will explore the negative relationship of network size and social support. Understanding how social support perception is shaped by network size and structure can improve the design of community-based health interventions.