{
  "abstract": "Background Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) are a major global concern, particularly in the context of ageing population structures. While social determinants are known to influence MLTC outcomes, the role of key psychosocial determinants, such as social connections, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to examine whether social connections are associated with baseline levels of MLTCs and their progression over time.Methods Multi-level growth curve modelling was used to assess trajectories of MLTCs from wave 2 to wave 9 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, according to reports of social connections at wave 2. The number of MTLCs at each wave was measured using a count of 25 self-reported long-term conditions. Social connections measures included: summarised in-person contact, social integration, summarised close contacts, household composition, summarised perceived social support, and loneliness. Models were adjusted for the following confounders: age, sex, ethnicity, wealth quintile, educational attainment, labour force status, and functional limitations. Multiple imputation was used for missing data which occurred across predictors, covariates, and outcomes. The sensitivity of results was tested against a stricter criterion for counting conditions – a count of the bodily systems affected. All analysis was conducted using Stata v18.Results The sample of 7,799 participants reported a mean number of 2.05 conditions (SE=0.02) at baseline. In fully adjusted models, social integration, household composition, social support, and loneliness at baseline were associated with MLTC burden at baseline but not with their trajectories over time. Neither social contact nor the number of close contacts were associated with MLTCs at baseline or over time. Findings were not sensitive when using a count of bodily systems affected by MLTCs.Conclusion The findings provide some evidence that baseline social connections are associated with the number of MLTCs at baseline, but not with their progression over time. Further research is needed to replicate these findings and explore the mechanism through which social connections may be related to baseline levels of MLTCs.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Robyn Jones"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Hei Wan Mak"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Feifei Bu"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London (UCL), London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Anne McMunn"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Daisy Fancourt"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P87 Social connections and trajectories of multiple long-term conditions among older adults: findings from the English longitudinal study of ageing",
  "uid": "c4cf6dd6-7062-5c6a-bfed-a2c11a147dde"
}