Social support, socio-economic status, health and abuse among older people in seven European countries.

Maria Gabriella Melchiorre,Elisabeth Ioannidi-Kapolou,Henrique Barros,Francisco Torres-Gonzales,Mindaugas Stankunas,Carlos Chiatti,Gloria Macassa,Giovanni Lamura,Jutta Lindert,Joaquim F J Soares

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0054856

Abstract

BackgroundSocial support has a strong impact on individuals, not least on older individuals with health problems. A lack of support network and poor family or social relations may be crucial in later life, and represent risk factors for elder abuse. This study focused on the associations between social support, demographics/socio-economics, health variables and elder mistreatment.MethodsThe cross-sectional data was collected by means of interviews or interviews/self-response during January-July 2009, among a sample of 4,467 not demented individuals aged 60–84 years living in seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden).ResultsMultivariate analyses showed that women and persons living in large households and with a spouse/partner or other persons were more likely to experience high levels of social support. Moreover, frequent use of health care services and low scores on depression or discomfort due to physical complaints were indicators of high social support. Low levels of social support were related to older age and abuse, particularly psychological abuse.ConclusionsHigh levels of social support may represent a protective factor in reducing both the vulnerability of older people and risk of elder mistreatment. On the basis of these results, policy makers, clinicians and researchers could act by developing intervention programmes that facilitate friendships and social activities in old age.

Highlights

Social support is defined in terms of social network characteristics such as assistance from family, friends, neighbours and other community members
According to Krause [5], received support is the amount of tangible help provided by social network, whereas perceived support is the subjective evaluation of the received help
Cronbach a was for somatic symptoms.92, for anxiety.81 and for depression

Summary

Introduction

Social support is defined in terms of social network characteristics such as assistance from family, friends, neighbours and other community members. It involves ‘‘social transactions the aims of which are to assist individuals in coping with everyday life, and in responses to critical situations’’ [1]. Perceived support is a crucial resource when stress is experienced [6], and for individuals with limitations in daily living activities (ADLs, i.e. everyday routine activities generally involving functional mobility and personal care, including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, walking and control of continence) [7]. A lack of support network and poor family or social relations may be crucial in later life, and represent risk factors for elder abuse. This study focused on the associations between social support, demographics/socio-economics, health variables and elder mistreatment

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Discussion

Conclusion