Factors related to the social network of core members of elderly care service social organizations: a cross-sectional study

Background: The social network of the core members of elderly care service social organizations could affect the performance of the organization, while studies concerning its related factors are limited. We aimed to explore factors that are associated with the social network of core members from elderly care service social organizations and provide references and suggestions for improving elderly care services.

Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a multi-stage stratified sampling method, and collected data concerning social network, demographic information and occupation. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to analyze factors that could affect the social network of the core members.

Results: Our results demonstrated that there is low social network of core members of elderly care social organizations. Out of the total membership, men (AOR = 1.708; 95%CI: 1.034-2.823), those with senior high school education (AOR = 1.923; 95%CI: 1.053-3.511), those with a college degree and above (AOR = 3.010; 95%CI: 1.591-5.692) and those that receive awards related to elderly care services (AOR = 2.260; 95%CI: 1.285-3.976) were associated with higher social network scores.

Conclusions: Our data successfully characterized the social status of core members of elderly care organizations. Therefore, health care professionals and policy makers in social organizations should use this knowledge in the care and service provision to the elderly; and implement actions that would promote networking in social organizations.