Exploring Social Isolation Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer and Their Spousal Caregivers in China: An Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate dyadic effects of micro-level (physical [PCS]/mental [MCS] health) and meso-level (dyadic coping/social support) factors on both subjective and objective social isolation in patient-spousal caregiver dyads with colorectal cancer (CRC), with hypothesized actor-partner interdependence effects. Data from 220 patient-caregiver dyads with CRC collected using validated instruments (General Alienation Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale-6, Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form version 2, Dyadic Coping Inventory, and Perceived Social Support Scale) were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Findings substantiated dyadic interdependence between subjective/objective social isolation and variables within dyads across micro- and meso-levels. Both micro-level (PCS/MCS) and meso-level (dyadic coping/social support) factors demonstrated significant actor effects on both subjective and objective social isolation experienced by patients and their partners. Patients' both micro-level (PCS/MCS) and meso-level (dyadic coping/social support) factors negatively influenced their partners' subjective and objective social isolation. No partner effect was identified from variables associated with spousal caregivers on patients' social isolation. These findings suggest that interventions targeting these variables could be effectively designed for patient-spousal caregiver dyads with CRC to address social isolation.