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Table 3 Self-reported measures of social isolation

From: Sensor-based assessment of social isolation in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

Self-report measures of SI

Description

Scoring

Articles

LSNS and LSNS-6 [18]

Questionnaire created specifically for use with older adult populations. Assesses SI based on perceived connectedness to friends, family and neighbours

10-item LSNS or 6-item LSNS-6. Items are scored from 0 to 5. Summed scores range from 0 to 30, with scores less than 12 indicating high risk for SI. Measures size, closeness, and frequency of contacts in their social network. The LSNS- 6 was developed from the LSNS for brevity

Herbolsheimer et al. [32], Goonawardene et al. [33], Tully et al. [30], Martinez et al. [28]

Three questions on SI from the Social Capital Module [31]

Assess social and civic participation across 3 categories of SI from relatives, friends and neighbours

Items are scored from 1 to 4, with 1 indicating engagement most days and 4 indicating engagement less than once per month. SI was indicated for each category if the total score was less than or equal to 2

De Koning et al. [31]

Unique scale (created for authors’ study) [29]

Assess monthly contact with others, participation in social activities

Items are scored 1 point if answered as less than monthly contact with family and friends and if they did not participate in social activities. Total scores range from 0-4, with a score of 3 or 4 suggesting SI. Scored according to contact with children, other family members, and friends. 1 point received if they do not participate in organizations such as social clubs, religious groups, and committees

Schrempft et al. [29]

Social Disconnectedness Score [20]

Measures: Social network size, Social network range, Proportion of social network members in same household. Average frequency of interaction with network member, Number of friends, Frequency of attending meetings of an organized group, Socializing with friends and relatives, Frequency of volunteering, attending religious service. Participants also indicate how many friends they have

The average of the 8 variables is calculated and then reversed to indicate disconnectedness (SI). Total scores range from -1.30 to 2.34, with higher score indicates greater-than-average social disconnectedness and greater perceived isolation

Benson et al. [35]

Berkman Social Disengagement Index [38]

Measures: Presence of spouse, Monthly visual contact with 3+ relatives and close friends, Yearly non-visual contact with 10+ relatives and close friends, frequent attendance at religious services, membership in other groups, regular participation in recreational social activities

Total score between 0 and 4. A higher score indicates greater social connection

McCrory et al. [34]

  1. SI: Social Isolation; LSNS: Lubben Social Network Scale; LSNS-6: 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale