Social network characteristics and well-being in Italy: insights from the PHRASI Study
Keywords:
Social networking; cross-sectional study; well-being; mental health; Public Health; healthcare personnelAbstract
Background. Mental well-being should be prioritized in public health as it represents a valuable resource for individuals and
communities, influencing behavior, social cohesion and social inclusion. The support individuals receive from their social networks
can have a significant impact on mental well-being. This study used data from the Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in
Italy, a nationwide cross-sectional survey. The objective was to assess the level of well-being among the Public Health Residents
and investigate the association between the social network characteristics and the well-being in this population.
Study design. The current cross-sectional study targeted 1,600 public health residents enrolled in various Italian public health
specialization schools between June 14 and July 26, 2022.
Methods. Participants self-reported both functional and structural characteristics of social network. Well-being was assessed
using the WHO-5 well-being index. Linear regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were applied to examine the association
between WHO-5 score and social network characteristics.
Results. Out of 379 participants, 51.5% reported bad well-being. Those with bad well-being are more likely women, experience
lower peer-to-peer and supervisor support, face higher work-to-private life interference, and less frequently have a partner.
Greater peer-to-peer support (β=1.13, 95% CI=0.68; 1.57), and increased supervisor support (β=1.26, 95% CI=0.86; 1.67),
were associated with higher levels of well-being. Conversely, higher work-to-private life interference was associated with lower
perceived well-being. Having a partner resulted in a better perceived well-being (β=1.96, 95% CI=0.94; 2.98). In logistic regression
analysis, higher peer-to-peer support (OR=0.68, 95% CI = 0.55;0.85) greater supervisor support (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.49;0.74)
and having a partner (OR=0.51, 95% CI = 0.32;0.82) were associated with reduced odds of bad well-being. Conversely, increased
WLI was associated with higher odds of bad well-being (OR=1.47, 95% CI = 1.19;1.82).
Conclusions. The characteristics of an individual’s social network play a crucial role in her/his well-being and should be considered
both in personal and professional contexts when aimed to enhance mental well-being in communities.
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