Social connectedness, depression symptoms, and health service utilization: a longitudinal study of Veterans Health Administration patients.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Our study explored whether aspects of veterans' social connectedness (social support, interpersonal conflict, loneliness, social norms, number of confidants) are associated with change in their depression symptoms and health services utilization over 1 year.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of 262 military veterans who obtained primary care and other services at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility and screened positive for depression. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 12-month follow-up. We measured social connectedness variables using the NIH Toolbox Adult Social Relationship Scales. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire to assess depression symptoms and suicidal ideation and administrative medical record data for he

SUBMITTER: Chen JI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7304483 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature