SOCIAL SUPPORT
Available social support from family and friends was evaluated using the
12-item Lubben Social Scale (LSNS-R), which inquires about the frequency
of contact with others (none, once, twice, 3–4, 5–8, or 9 times per month)
and scope of quality of this contact, such as comfort talking about private
matters, requesting help, and making important decisions (score range:
0–60) (28, 29). There are two subscales; each one is comprised of 6 questions
(score range: 0–30). The scores were categorized with the following cutpoints:
0–15 (socially isolated or at high risk of isolation), and 16–30 (at
moderate or low risk of social isolation)