Social isolation and lung function in middle-aged and older adults: identifying modifiable pathways across two populations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Limited evidence exists on the relationship between social isolation and lung function, with few studies exploring underlying mechanisms. This study examined the association between social isolation and lung function decline, and the mediating roles of smoking, income, physical activity, and BMI in U.S. and Chinese populations.

Methods

This study utilized data from adults aged ≥ 45 years in NHANES (2007-2012, cross-sectional) and CHARLS (2011 and 2015, longitudinal). Lung function metrics from NHANES included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1), and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), while CHARLS provided PEF data. Social isolation was assessed using marital status, living alone, and social participation in both studies, with NHANES includ

SUBMITTER: Du Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12659098 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature