Samuel G. Smith|Sarah E. Jackson|Lindsay C. Kobayashi|Andrew Steptoe
Social isolation, health literacy, and mortality risk: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
University of Leeds|University College London|Harvard University|University College London
investigate relationships social isolation health literacy allcause mortality modifying effect social isolation latter relationshipdata 7731 adults aged 50 years participating wave 2 20042005 english longitudinal study ageing social isolation defined according maritalcohabiting status contact children relatives friends participation social organizations scores split median indicate social isolation yes vs health literacy assessed comprehension medicine label classified high 75 correct low 75 correct outcome allcause mortality february 2013 cox proportional hazards models adjusted sociodemographic factors health status health behaviors cognitive functionmortality rates 303 versus 143 low versus high health literacy groups 235 versus 137 socially isolated versus nonisolated groups low health literacy adj hr 122 95 ci 102145 vs high social isolation adj hr 128 95 ci 110150 independently associated increased mortality risk multiplicative interaction term health literacy social isolation statistically significant p 81low health literacy high social isolation risk factors mortality social isolation modify relationship health literacy mortality clinicians aware health risks faced socially isolated adults low health literacy psycinfo database record