Gender differences in the impact of emotional support networks on health-related quality of life among floating elderly: a cross-sectional study in China.

Background: Emotional support, as a key component of social support, may influence the health of floating elderly individuals. This study aims to examine the characteristics of emotional support networks and assess their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the floating elderly, with a focus on gender differences.

Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires from 2,330 floating elderly in Beijing and Nanjing, China. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Level scale, while emotional support network characteristics were assessed in terms of size, density, composition, heterogeneity, and convergence. Tobit regression models were employed to analyze the impact of emotional support networks on HRQoL.

Results: The mean HRQoL of the participants was 0.884 ± 0.138, with females reporting higher utility values than males (P < 0.05). Emotional support network size was negatively associated with HRQoL (P < 0.01), whereas a larger number of kin members and greater age convergence had positive effects (P < 0.01). Compared to males, higher network density (β=-0.073, P < 0.05) and greater educational heterogeneity (β=-0.116, P < 0.01) were associated with lower HRQoL of female elderly.

Conclusions: The overall HRQoL of floating elderly individuals was relatively good. Their emotional support networks were generally "small in size and high in density", with greater convergence than heterogeneity. A large emotional support network may not be necessary, and priority attention should be given to those lacking kin-based emotional support. It is also crucial to emphasize the role of peers and consider gender differences when designing emotional support networks for the floating elderly.