Latent profiles of social networks and their association with digital health readiness among rural older adults with hypertension

Abstract

Person-centered approaches to social networks profiles and their association with digital health readiness (DHR) remain underexplored among rural older adults with hypertension. This study aimed to identify latent social networks profiles and examine their independent association with DHR in this population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 576 rural older adults with hypertension by using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 and the Digital Health Readiness Questionnaire (DHRQ) in Hunan Province, China. Latent profile analysis identified social networks profiles. Multivariable linear regression with forced entry examined the independent association between profiles and DHRQ after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related confounders. Three profiles emerged: socially restricted (16.5%), moderately connected (65.3%), and well-integrated (18.2%). Social networks profiles remained independently associated with DHRQ (F11, 564 = 20.362, p < 0.001, adjusted R² = 0.270). The moderately connected profile was associated with a 4.536-point higher DHRQ score (95% CI: 1.346–7.726, p = 0.005) and the well-integrated profile with an 8.386-point higher score (95% CI: 4.447–12.326, p < 0.001), compared with the socially restricted profile. These findings highlight the potential of person-centered social networks to inform targeted digital health interventions for rural older adults with hypertension.