Prevalence and associated factors of social frailty among older adults in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study

Aims To investigate the prevalence of social frailty among older adults in nursing homes, and to explore the associated factors of social frailty. Design A cross-sectional study. Methods From September to December 2024, a convenience sample of 447 older adults was recruited from nine nursing homes in Chongqing, China. Social frailty was assessed using the HALFT scale, with a score of ≥ 3 indicating the presence of social frailty, Data were collected on demographic and disease characteristics, loneliness, depression, and social network. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied for data analysis. Results The prevalence of social frailty was 23.9% among older adults in nursing homes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that education level (OR = 0.306, 95% CI:0.099–0.945, p < 0.001), willingness to reside (OR = 2.816, 95% CI:1.147–6.915, p = 0.024), loneliness (OR = 1.354, 95% CI:1.214–1.510, p < 0.001), depression (OR = 1.753, 95% CI:1.229–2.499, p = 0.002), and social network (OR = 0.955, 95% CI:0.914–0.999, p = 0.043) were independent factors associated with social frailty. Conclusion Social frailty is a common problem among older adults in nursing homes. Healthcare providers should develop preventive strategies based on these factors to reduce the onset and progression of social frailty among older adults in nursing homes.