Gender-specific Effects of Discussion Networks on the Management of Hypertension among Korean Older People

• In Event: 322 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Medical Sociology Roundtables. Table 01. Aging and Health

Abstract

High blood pressure is one of the most prevalent coronary heart diseases among older adults. In case of Korea, about 50 percent of older people who are 60 years or older has hypertension and only about half of them control their high blood pressure. The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between social network characteristics and hypertension management behaviors among older adults. A population-based study of adults living in rural township located in South Korea was adopted. From December 2011 to March 2012, the KSHAP interviewed 814 out of target population of 60 year or older and their spouses (response rate: 95%). We adopt multinomial logistic regression models to simultaneously estimate binary comparisons among the categories of the dependent variable while focusing on the size and density of discussion networks of the respondents: non-hypertensive, controlled, undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertensive. We found very strong gender-specific network effects. While the size and density of discussion network is essential in the management of hypertension for elderly men, the density rather than size of the network ties is crucial for hypertension management for elderly women. The predicted probability of being undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertensive is the lowest with large and coarse network and the most with very small size among elderly men. For elderly women, those with dense network are more likely to be controlled hypertensive and less likely to be undiagnosed hypertensive. The study reveals gender-specific effects of discussion networks on the management of hypertension among Korean older people.

Authors

• Jiwon Baek, Yonsei University

• Jina Lee, Yonsei University