Validity and reliability of the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) in Thai older adults with non-communicable diseases

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6) among older adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a population particularly vulnerable to social isolation due to mobility limitations, functional decline, and frequent healthcare needs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 older adults (≥60 years) with NCDs from urban and rural areas in northeastern Thailand. The LSNS-6 was translated and culturally adapted, and an expert panel assessed content validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the hypothesized two-factor structure (family and friends). Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (ρc), and average variance extracted (AVE). Results CFA indicated an excellent fit for the two-factor model: χ 2 /df = 1.82, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR = 0.038, CFI = 0.981, and TLI = 0.970. Factor loadings ranged from 0.80 to 0.84, with R 2 values between 0.64 and 0.70. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.87 for the total scale, and ≥0.85 for subscales. ρc was 0.85, and AVE was 0.67. Conclusions The Thai LSNS-6 is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing social networks in older adults with NCDs. It holds practical value for home health care providers to identify socially isolated individuals, develop tailored interventions, and promote improved health outcomes.