Validating the Persian Version of the Lubben Social Network Scale-18

The Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-18) is a widely used scale to assess social interactions and isolation among the older adults. The purpose of this study was to validate the Persian version of this scale. It was a methodological study aimed at validating the LSNS-18, and it is designed and implemented as follows. First, forward-backward translation was performed; then, content and face validity were assessed using qualitative methods. After initial reliability assessment, construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) among 230 older adults, and finally, secondary reliability was evaluated. Samples were selected from ** health centers using cluster sampling. The inclusion criteria were being older than 60, and the exclusion criteria were suffering from severe physical illness. The scale's reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha (0.82) and ICC = 0.85, at the optimum level. This scale's construct validity showed a better fit with the three-factor model than the single-factor model. The Persian version of the LSNS-18 had acceptable validity and reliability in Persian-speaking community and can assess the ** older adults social isolation.