Measure of Social Support and Its Relevance to the Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Patients Going to the Hemophilia Center

Abstract

Background: Social support has been considered one of the factors that facilitate health behaviors, and there is some evidence related to the subordination of the treatment of hemophilia patients according to various factors. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the measure of social support and its relevance to the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients going to the hemophilia center. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sanandaj Hemophilia Center in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran, in 1402. A total of 120 patients were voluntarily selected as samples based on inclusion criteria. The data collection tool included the registration form of demographic and clinical characteristics and the Social Support Questionnaire of Vaux et al. To analyze the data of the study, independent t-student statistical tests and unilateral analysis of variance in STATA software version 12 were used. Results: In this study, the dimensions of social support were examined: Family support, support from others, and support from friends. Family support, with an average of 4.36 out of 5, was considered the highest value, compared to other dimensions. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the average social support of hemophilia patients was appropriate. In the case of increasing the social support of hemophilia patients through creating job opportunities, increasing income, access to urban treatment facilities and services, material and moral coverage of organizations, and social support, the improvement of the health level of hemophilia patients can be expected.