Challenges to Social Connection Among Black Men with Chronic Conditions: Examination of Structural, Functional, and Quality Domains.

Objectives: Limited social connection places individuals at greater risk for chronic conditions; however, there is limited research examining the association between chronic conditions and barriers to disease self-management on social connections. Our study addresses this gap in the empirical literature by examining these issues among Black men aged 40+ years with 1 or more chronic conditions.

Methods: Data came from a national sample of 1200 Black men. We conducted 3 multivariate logistic regression models examining social connection domains (did not have people to call for help, felt isolated from others, and were not content with relationships/friendships) on 3 independent variables: the number of chronic health conditions, cut down or skipped social activities because of health problems, and self-reported barriers to disease self-management. Sociodemographic covariates for all regression models included age, education, partner status, and annual household income.

Results: Men were aged 56.7 (±9.7) years and self-reported 4.0 (±2.9) chronic conditions. Approximately 1 in 4 participants reported that they did not have enough people to call for help (25.2%), felt isolated from others (26.0%), and were not content with friendships/relationships (23.8%). Across multivariate models, men who reported more barriers to disease self-management were significantly more likely to report a social connection domain challenge. The number of chronic conditions and cutting down or skipping social activities because of health problems were also associated with a greater likelihood of social connection challenges.

Conclusions: Efforts to improve the self-management of illness symptomology may mitigate challenges to social connection among middle-aged and older Black men.