Social Support Appraisals Research Articles

Social support and health behaviors of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a moderated mediation model of loneliness and economic income

BackgroundThe literature shows that social support is an important factor influencing health behaviors. This study aimed to explore the relationships and intrinsic pathways of social support, loneliness, economic income, and health behaviors among older adults during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of health behaviors interventions for older adults.MethodsA cluster-random-sampling survey was adopted within two towns in Dongguan, China. Demographic characteristics, social support, loneliness, economic income and health behaviors were measured. The Social Support Appraisals scale (SS-A), the ULS-8 Loneliness Scale, and the Self-rated abilities for health practice scale (SRAHPS) were used to measure social support, loneliness, and health behaviors in older adults, respectively. A moderated mediation model was built to examine the relationships among social support, loneliness, economic income, and health behaviors using the SPSS PROCESS 4.0 macro. We conducted bootstrapping of regression estimates with 5000 samples and a 95% confidence interval.Results621 older adults completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female, accounting for 75.0%, and the average age was 81.11 years (SD = 8.11). The median (interquartile range) of the participants’ average monthly economic income was 800 (500–1000)RMB. The results of the mediation analysis showed that loneliness partly mediated the relationship between social support and health behaviors (B = 0.024, 95%CI: 0.007, 0.042), with the mediating effect accounting for 4.56% of the total effect. The moderation mediation analysis revealed a positive moderating role of economic income in the relationship between social support and loneliness (B = 0.114, 95%CI: 0.054, 0.174). Specifically, the relationship between social support and loneliness was found to be weaker for older adults with a high economic income compared to those with a lower economic income.ConclusionThe provision of enhanced social support and the alleviation of loneliness among older adults during an epidemic can facilitate the development of healthy behaviours, particularly among those who are economically disadvantaged.

Predicting psychological well-being based on attitudes toward aging and social support mediated by hope in life

ABSTRACT Given the increasing size and share of older population and the various mental and psychological challenges that individuals face with on the path of life to reach old age, it is crucial to investigate the factors affecting psychological well-being. Therefore, the present study aimed to predict psychological well-being based on attitudes toward aging and social support by meditating on hope in life. This study employed a correlational design with path analysis to explore the relationships between the variables of focus. The sample comprised 468 individuals aged 15 or older residing in Qom, Iran. Participants were recruited randomly using a systematic approach from 2021 to 2022. The participants completed the demographic profile questionnaire, Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Older People Scale, Snyder’s Adult Hope Scale, Vaux et al. Social Support Appraisals Scale, and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests of Spearman’s correlation and the structural equation model in SPSS24 and AMOS24. The hypothesized research model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data (CMIN = 0.424, GFI = 1.000, CFI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.001). Moreover, the variables of attitudes toward aging (β = 0.178, p < .01) and social support (β = 0.366, p < .001) jointly accounted for 19.3% of the variance in hope in life. Additionally, social support (β = 0.356, p < .001) and hope in life (β = 0.214, p < .001) collectively explained 23.6% of the variance in psychological well-being. The mediating role of hope in life in the relationship between attitudes toward aging and social support with individuals’ psychological well-being should be emphasized. Positive education programs appear to be essential for improving attitudes toward aging, increasing hope in life, and ultimately promoting psychological well-being in society.

Family Influence on Student Mental Health and Academic Achievement in University Transition

This study explores the crucial role of social support in facilitating the transition of adolescents from high school to university, focusing on two respondents, BM and MM. BM, in his second semester at a state university, struggles with the challenges of living independently in a boarding house, feeling significant emotional strain due to limited parental communication. MM, a student at a private university, maintains a close and supportive relationship with his father, despite the absence of his mother since he was two years old. The research highlights the importance of different types of social support—appraisal, belonging, and tangible—in aiding students' adaptation to university life. Appraisal support involves the availability of someone to discuss problems, while belonging support encompasses emotional and task-related assistance from family members. Tangible support refers to material assistance provided by parents. The findings indicate that effective social support, particularly from family, is essential for promoting mental health, academic success, and overall well-being during this critical transition period. The study underscores the need for future research to explore these dynamics further, considering broader cultural and socio-economic contexts that influence the availability and effectiveness of social support.

Contextual and individual factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in deprived 12-year-old schoolchildren: A cohort study.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among children and adolescents have been acknowledged as of public health concern worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between contextual and individual characteristics and TDIs in 12-year-old schoolchildren. A cohort study was conducted with 355 schoolchildren living in deprived communities in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Contextual factors (place of residence and socio-economic indicators) and individual characteristics, including sex, family income, parents/guardians years of schooling, overjet and open bite (Dental Aesthetic Index), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), sense of coherence (Sense of Coherence Scale), oral health beliefs, social support (Social Support Appraisals) were assessed at baseline. TDIs were measured at baseline and at 2-year follow-up using the O'Brien Index. Data were analysed through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The baseline prevalence of TDIs was 17.6% and the incidence of TDIs at 2-year follow-up was 26.8%. Better psychosocial status had a direct protective effect on the incidence of TDIs (β = -.184). Better contextual characteristics (β = -.135) and greater overjet (β = -.203) were directly associated with poor psychosocial status. Higher schooling of parents/guardians directly predicted better psychosocial status (β = .154). Psychosocial status mediated the relationship of greater overjet (β = .036), contextual factors (β = .024) and parental/guardian schooling (β = -.027) with TDIs. Contextual factors and individual characteristics predicted TDIs. Psychosocial status was a relevant individual attribute in the causal network of TDIs, due to the direct effect on the incidence of TDIs as well as a mediator on the influence of contextual factors, overjet and parents/guardians schooling on the incidence of TDIs.

Sexual Identity Development and Social Ecological Facilitators and Barriers of PrEP Uptake and Adherence Among Latinx Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Latinx gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (LMSM) report lower pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use than their white, non-Latinx counterparts. We hypothesize that this disparity is partially attributable to social ecological factors that can be addressed via prevention interventions. In this retrospective study, we first examined data from 253 LMSM to determine whether theorized associations existed between acquisition of a PrEP prescription (uptake) in relation to several social ecological factors based on a conceptual framework of determinants of access to and uptake of PrEP for LMSM. We also explored relations between frequency of PrEP use (adherence) and social ecological factors with a subsample of 33 LMSM who had initiated PrEP 12months prior to assessment. In this study, individual-level factors from this framework included age and socioeconomic status. Perceived access to medical care represented both individual- and community-level determinants of PrEP uptake and adherence. Interpersonal-level factors were social support and relationship status. Structural/cultural-level factors were sexual identity development status, the masculinity norm of heterosexual self-presentation, traditional Latinx masculine gender role beliefs of machismo and caballerismo, racial identity, and immigration status. Results indicated that older men and those who endorsed the synthesis/integration status of sexual identity development were more likely to acquire a PrEP prescription during their lifetime in comparison to peers. PrEP adherence was linked with being older, reporting higher socioeconomic status, reporting more appraisal social support, self-identifying as white-Latinx, being U.S.-born, and endorsing less sexual identity uncertainty and more heterosexual self-presentation. Results specify modifiable factors that may inform tailored, community-based prevention efforts to increase PrEP use and decrease existing HIV/AIDS disparities among LMSM.

Relationship between social support, dysfunctional attitude, and perceived academic stress in students of Ferdows school of medical sciences

Background &amp; Objective: Students constantly go through experiences that can be a source of physical, emotional, or psychological stress. Dysfunctional attitudes are the root of numerous mental health problems. On the other hand, perceived social support is recognized as one of the most effective solutions in the treatment of stress and its related disorders. The present study aimed to assess the relationship of social support and dysfunctional attitude with perceived academic stress in the students of Ferdows School of Medical Sciences. Materials &amp; Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 121 students of Ferdows School of Allied Medicine and Public Health who were selected via stratified sampling method in the academic year 2019-2020. The data collection tools were demographic characteristics form and three standard questionnaires of social support appraisals (SS-A) scale, Vaux A, Student Life Stress Inventory (SLSI), and Dysfunctional Attitude Scale(DAS-26). Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to determine whether sample data is normally distributed, Pearson and Spearman correlation test to check the relationship between variables, and independent t-test and analysis of variance to compare means between two groups. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean scores of academic stress and perceived social support of students were reported as 2.61±0.49 and 2.42±0.47, respectively, which were lower than the average. Moreover, the mean score of dysfunctional attitude (110.24±78.5) was higher than the standard. Pearson's correlation test pointed to a significant relationship between social support and academic stress (r=0.36; P&lt; 0.001), dysfunctional attitude and academic stress (P=0.006; r = -0.24) and dysfunctional attitude and social support (P=0.005; R=-0.25). Conclusion: The results of the present study pointed out that the variables were closely related to each other, highlighting the importance of these issues in student life. In other words, in order to adjust to academic stress, which is the cause of failure and disruption in academic performance, attention should be paid to various factors at the level of the university, society, and most importantly, family where a person is raised. In this regard, culture building is necessary at the university, society, and family level to shape people's attitudes positively and develop creative thinking based on hope and a burning desire for construction.

Perceived Social Support and Parental Emotional Temperament Among Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

This research examined how the emotional temperaments of parents of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder correlated with their perceptions of their children's social support from friends, teachers, and families. Additionally, the parents' emotional temperaments in terms of their association with children's low and high perceptions of family support were examined. The study included 50 children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, 40 neurotypical control subjects, and their parents. The Symptom Checklist-90-R was used to analyze the parents' psychopathology. The parents' affective temperaments were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-auto questionnaire version. The children's perceptions of their support from their families, peers, and teachers were evaluated using the Social Support Appraisal Scale. Mothers' depressive (r = -0.419, P = .002) and anxious temperaments (r = -0.338, P = .016) were inversely correlated with perceived social support from parents among children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Mothers' hyperthymic (r = 0.443, P = .001) and cyclothymic temperaments (r = 0.310, P = .029) and fathers' hyperthymic temperament (r = 0.371, P = .008) were positively correlated with perceived social support from parents. Regression analyses revealed that perceived social support from friends was predicted by paternal low cyclothymic and high anxious temperament. They also showed that inattention and mother's general psychopathology predicted perceived social support from family. Perceived social support from teacher was predicted by hyperactivity, maternal low cyclothymic temperament, and paternal high anxious temperament. While parents' depressive and anxious temperaments were associated with low perceived social support from family, hyperthymic and cyclothymic temperaments were associated with increased perceived social support from the family among children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

Social media use in adolescent girls with depression: The relationship between social media use purposes, lack of social support, and cyber victimization

Objective: Our study examined the relationship between purpose of social media use, perceived social support, and cyberbullying&#x0D; among adolescent girls with or without major depressive disorder (MDD).&#x0D; Patients and Methods: Fifty-two adolescent girls aged 13-18 years with a diagnosis of MDD were recruited. The control group consisted&#x0D; of 51 adolescents who were matched for age and gender. The adolescents completed a sociodemographic form, the Childhood&#x0D; Depression Inventory (CDI), the Social Media Attitude Scale (SMAS), the Cyberbullying Scale (CBS), and the Social Support Appraisal&#x0D; Scale for Children (SSAS).&#x0D; Results: Social media use was significantly higher among adolescent girls with MDD (P

Major depression, substance use, and resilience among female adolescents in institutional care

ABSTRACT Objective This study compared female adolescents in institutional care (AICs) diagnosed with major depression (MD) or substance use disorder (SUD) with those who were not. In addition, we examined the protective effects of resilience, coping skills, and social support on SUD and MD. Methods Participants included 49 female AICs (11–18 years) and a control group of 49 girls of similar age. Psychiatric diagnoses were made using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). In addition, participants completed self-report questionnaires: Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders Child Version (SCARED), The Child and Youth Psychological Resilience Scale, KIDCOPE, Social Support Appraisals Scale (SSAS), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). Results AICs were found to have more psychopathologies than the control group. Higher resilience, SSAS-friends scores, and more positive coping styles were associated with lower CDI scores in AICs with MD. CDI and SCARED scores were higher, and SSAS- family, friends, teacher scores, and positive coping styles were lower in the AICs with SUD. Conclusions Resilience, increased social support from friends, and positive coping styles showed negative relationships with MD and SUD in AICs. Social support from teachers and family was negatively associated with SUD in AICs.

Socio-economic status, psychosocial factors, health behaviours and incidence of dental caries in 12-year-old children living in deprived communities in Manaus, Brazil

ObjectivesThis study examines the relationships between socio-economic status, psychosocial factors, health-related behaviours and the incidence of dental caries amongst 12-year-old schoolchildren living in deprived communities in Manaus, Brazil. MethodsA longitudinal study involving 312 children aged 12 years was conducted in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Baseline data including socio-economic status (number of goods, household overcrowding, parents’ schooling, family income), psychosocial factors (sense of coherence [SOC-13], social support [Social Support Appraisals questionnaire]) and health-related behaviours (frequency of toothbrushing, sugar consumption, sedentary behaviour) were collected through structured questionnaires. The number of decayed teeth was clinically assessed at baseline and one-year follow-up. A hypothesised model evaluating the direct and indirect pathways between the variables was tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. ResultsThe incidence of dental caries at the one-year follow-up was 25.6%. Sugar consumption (β = 0.103) and sedentary behaviour (β = 0.102) directly predicted the incidence of dental caries. A higher socio-economic status was directly linked with lower sugar consumption (β = -0.243) and higher sedentary behaviour (β = 0.227). Higher social support directly predicted lower sugar consumption (β = -0.114). Lower socio-economic status (β = -0.046) and lower social support (β = -0.026) indirectly predicted the incidence of dental caries via sugar consumption and sedentary behaviour. ConclusionsIn the population studied, sugar consumption and sedentary behaviour are meaningful predictors of the incidence of dental caries amongst schoolchildren living in deprived communities. Indirect pathways of lower socio-economic status and low social support with dental caries incidence via sugar consumption and sedentary behaviour were detected. These findings should be considered in oral interventions and oral health care policies to prevent dental caries amongst children living in deprivation. Clinical significanceSocial conditions, social support, sedentary behaviour and sugar consumption directly influence dental caries in children.

The Relationship Between Social Support and Family Functioning Among Married Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Iran with the Mediating Role of Spiritual Experiences and Moral Foundations.

When a married family member suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), the collective physical and psychosocial well-being of the family is impacted and much of the burden is on the healthier spouse. The purpose of the present study was to determine the contribution of psychosocial support from spouses, friends, and others in overall family functioning in respect of Iranian patients with MS, considering the mediating role of spiritual experiences and moral foundations. Spouses of patients with MS were chosen through the judgmental sampling method. The research instruments comprised the Family Assessment Device, Social Support Appraisals Scale, Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, and Moral Foundations Questionnaire. Data analysis was done through the path analysis technique. The subjects comprised 220 spouses of MS patients. We found a significant relationship between family support path and overall functioning mediated by the variable 'spiritual experiences', the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) value being < 0.001. Similarly, the relationship between spiritual experiences and moral foundations had a significant effect on overall family functioning (RMSEA < 0.001). After eliminating insignificant relationships and estimating fit indicators, the modified (adjusted) model indicated goodness of fit with data. This study found, for the first time in the Iranian community, a significant effect of family support focused on spouses of MS patients compared to the support from friends and others, with regard to family functioning. The mediating roles of spiritual experiences and moral foundations were confirmed. Further studies are suggested to delve into the role of family support for MS patients in developing countries.

Social isolation and subclinical vascular pathways to cerebrovascular disease

ABSTRACT Social isolation and lack of social support are risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). This study explored the relationship between measures of social support and subclinical measures of CVD risk. 58 healthy adults ages 18 to 85 years participated in this study. The Berkman-Syme Social Network Inventory (SNI) was used to assess social isolation, with higher scores signifying less isolation. Social support was defined using the 12-Item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) with a higher score signifying higher social support. Subclinical CVD measures included carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid beta-stiffness index, and middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index. Path analysis models for both the SNI and ISEL appraisal domain predicting cfPWV and cerebrovascular pulsatility fit the data well. Path analyses showed significant direct paths from the SNI (β = −.363, t = −2.91) and ISEL appraisal domain (β = −.264, t = −2.05) to cfPWV. From cfPWV, both models revealed significant direct paths to carotid stiffness (β = .488, t = 4.18) to carotid pulse pressure (β = .311, t = 2.45) to MCA pulsatility (β = .527, t = 4.64). Social isolation and appraisal of social support are related to unfavorably higher aortic stiffness, with subsequent detrimental effects on cerebrovascular hemodynamic pulsatility.

Avaliação de uma intervenção antibullying no contexto escolar

Abstract Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an anti-bullying intervention carried out with adolescents from public schools. Methods: A longitudinal, quasi-experimental design was used, with pre-test and immediate post-test evaluations. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Cartoon Test, KIDSCREEN-52, and Social Support Appraisals were used. The intervention had four editions and consisted of eight weekly meetings, amounting to 16 hours. A total of 69 adolescents (12-17 years) participated in the study, 40 of which were allocated to the Experimental Group and 29 to the Control Group. Results: After the intervention, the Experimental Group demonstrated improvements in the adolescents’ perception of bullying, quality of life, and social support. The intergroup analysis indicated a better perception of bullying for the Experimental Group. Conclusion: From the data, it can be concluded that the intervention demonstrated its effectiveness and has the potential to be replicated in the school context.

The relationship of dental students’ characteristics to social support, psychosocial factors, lifestyle, and quality of life

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, student academic information, social support, sense of coherence, anxiety, lifestyle, and quality of life among dental students. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 233 dental students in Brazil. We captured data on sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, social support through Social Support Appraisal, psychosocial factors (sense of coherence and anxiety based on SOC-13 and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 – anxiety subscale, respectively), lifestyle as per individual Lifestyle Profile and quality of life based on VERAS-Q. Data was analysed through Structural Equation Modelling. Results: Greater social support, higher sense of coherence, lower anxiety, better lifestyle directly predicted better quality of life. Male gender, city of origin did not differ from the city of the campus, higher social support and greater sense of coherence were indirectly linked with better quality of life via better lifestyle. Lower academic semester and higher social support indirectly predicted better quality of life via lower anxiety. Conclusion: Social support, sense of coherence, anxiety, and lifestyle were relevant factors directly associated with dental student’s quality of life. Indirect pathways were observed between gender, moved home to attend dental course, academic semester, social support, sense of coherence, and quality of life.

Which mother-headed households' parenting styles are related to children's behavior problems? A cross-sectional study.

SummaryIntroductionParenting styles are considered as one of the main determinants of individual and social behaviors and the use of dysfunctional styles can create child behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between mother-child relationship patterns in mother-headed households and children’s behavioral problems.MethodsThis is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study that was performed on 345 mother-headed households under the coverage of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee in Shiraz, Iran. Mothers were selected by convenience sampling method and data were collected using several questionnaires including the mother-child relationship evaluation, the child behavior checklist, and social support appraisals scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.ResultsThe overprotective parenting style, as one of the inefficient models has been used more than others by mother-headed households as well as the mothers with higher education levels used less from the child-rearing style “ excessive ease “, and benefited more from the support of friends and others. In addition, children of divorced and low-income mothers are more prone to externalizing behavioral problems. The final result was also determined two parenting styles “excessive ease and overprotection” are effective on children’s total behavioral problems.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need to plan and expand socio-economic and educational support services to improve living conditions and parenting skills in mother-headed households. Further research is also suggested to identify the determinants and types of interventions affecting mother-child relationships, children’s behavioral problems, and finally quality of life among this low-income and vulnerable group.

Çocuklarda Sosyal Destek Kaynakları ve Kadın Kariyerine Yönelik Tutumlar Arasındaki İlişkilerin İncelenmesi

It has been stated for many years that the career development process should be approached in a developmental context. In this respect, it was predicted that early life experiences can affect both subjective career development and attitudes towards the careers of others. In the present study, the association between primary school students' attitudes towards women's career choice and having a career and social support resources was examined. The research group consisted of 194 primary school fourth grade students. The research group had a homogeneous distribution in terms of gender (97 males, 97 females). The mean age of the research group was 9.89 (SD = .54). The Attitude Towards Gender-Based Career Choices Scale and Social Support Appraisals Scale for Children and Adolescents were used as measures. According to the findings of the correlation analysis, attitudes towards women's career choice were negatively associated with perceived social support from family and teachers. There was a positive and significant relationship between the attitudes of women towards having a career and the perceived social support from their friends. Structural equation modelling showed that gender and perceived social support from friends significantly predict attitudes towards women's having a career. It was determined that the attitudes towards women's career choice were only associated with perceived social support from the teacher. The research presented empirical findings that will enable the development of attitudes towards career choice and having a career in early life to be approached in the context of both gender and social support.

The mental health crisis of expectant women in the UK: effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal mental health, antenatal attachment and social support

BackgroundPregnancy has been shown to be times in a woman’s life particularly prone to mental health issues, however a substantial percentage of mothers report subclinical perinatal mental health symptoms that go undetected. Experiences of prenatal trauma, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may exacerbate vulnerability to negative health outcomes for pregnant women and their infants. We aimed to examine the role of: 1) anxiety, depression, and stress related to COVID-19 in predicting the quality of antenatal attachment; 2) perceived social support and COVID-19 appraisal in predicting maternal anxiety and depression.MethodsA sample of 150 UK expectant women were surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions included demographics, pregnancy details, and COVID-19 appraisal. Validated measures were used to collect self-reported maternal antenatal attachment (MAAS), symptoms of anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI-II), and stress related to the psychological impact of COVID-19 (IES-r).ResultsWe found that the pandemic has affected UK expectant mothers’ mental health by increasing prevalence of depression (47%), anxiety (60%) and stress related to the psychological impact of COVID-19 (40%). Women for whom COVID-19 had a higher psychological impact were more likely to suffer from depressive (95% HDPI = [0.04, 0.39]) and anxiety symptoms (95% HPDI = [0.40, 0.69]). High depressive symptoms were associated with reduced attachment to the unborn baby (95% HPDI [-0.46, -0.1]). Whilst women who appraised the impact of COVID-19 to be more negative showed higher levels of anxiety (HPDI = [0.15, 0.46]), higher social support acted as a protective factor and was associated with lower anxiety (95% HPDI = [-0.52, -0.21]).ConclusionsThe current findings demonstrate that direct experience of prenatal trauma, such as the one experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly amplifies mothers’ vulnerability to mental health symptoms and impairs the formation of a positive relationship with their unborn baby. Health services should prioritise interventions strategies aimed at fostering support for pregnant women.

Lapse and Relapse Rates in Narcotics Anonymous versus Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A 12-Month Prospective Study.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare lapse and relapse-free survival between patients treated in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups and Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) centers and to determine the relationship between social support scale and treatment outcome. Method: This study was a prospective, 12-month cohort study using the random sampling method to select 100 newcomer patients treated by the NA Association as well as 100 patients in MMT centers. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and Social Support Appraisals (SSA) scale at the onset of the study along with follow-up phone calls every other week. Results: All participants were male, aged between 18 and 65 with a mean (SD) age of 38.98 (± 10.85) years. Prevalence of relapse in 12 months was 60.5%. The lapses in the MMT group and relapses in the NA group were significantly higher (P < 0.001). The younger patients with lower levels of education are at greater risk of lapse/relapse. The mean score of SSA was significantly higher in the MMT group than the NA group in all subscales, including friends, family, and the others' support (P < 0.001). The mean scores of SSA subscales for the participants without relapse in the NA group was significantly higher in comparison to the MMT group. Conclusion: Detection of factors related to drug abuse relapse/lapse may help addiction therapists to identify drug abuse patients with lapse/relapse and to develop treatment and policy guidelines to prevent relapse in addiction recovery.

CORRELATION BETWEEN COGNITIVE EVALUATION, COPING, AND STRESS RESPONSE OF STUDENTS WITH MEDICAL NEEDS RELATED WITH PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS

The purpose of this study was to examine specific factors of students with medical needs related with psychosomatic disorders in the junior high school and high school sections of special needs schools, was to compare factors including stressor, stress response, cognitive appraisal, coping, and source of social support between students with and without disabilities, and was to clarify interactions among these factors. Results revealed that 74.13% of the students with disabilities experienced school non-attendance, received a diagnosis of psychosomatic disorders, and showed characteristics on developmental disabilities as their basic disabilities. It was also found there was strongly positive correlations between stress response and factors including “depression\anxiety,” “grumpy\angry,” and “physical symptoms” in the students with medical needs, compared to those without disabilities, which seemed to be specifically related to psychosomatic disorders. It was clarified that junior high school and high school students with psychosomatic disabilities could experience physical symptoms when trying to cope with stressful situations, and they also could easily become anxious when trying to ask others for assistance, which could result in conditions where they cannot achieve an appropriate stress-buffering effect.

Prevalence of the frailty and related factors in Iranian elderly, Khuzestan Province, southwest of Iran

Objective. This study aimed to determine frailty prevalence and its related factors in the elderly.Methods. The cross-sectional study was performed on 540 elderly using a randomized multistage cluster sampling in Khuzestan Province, Iran, in 2019. The data collection tools included demographic information, Rockwood’s Frailty Index of Accumulated Deficits, Social Support Appraisals Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi-square tests.Results. In this study, 56% of the subjects were women, and 44% were men. The subjects mean age was 72.61 ± 88.72 years. In terms of the frailty prevalence, 14.3, 25.7, and 60% were frail, pre-frail, and non-frail, respectively. The bivariate analysis of the findings showed that frailty was more among those who were woman, older, less educated, without social support, depressed, lonely, single, taking more medication, with a history of hospitalization and malnutrition, and lack of social participation. The frailty rate was significantly lower among men than women. Younger people were less frail. Elderly taking more than five pills had lower frailty levels than elderly people taking lower than five pills. Participants taking more than five pills also had a lower hospitalization history than the elderly with a less frail history, and the depressed elderly were less frail than undepressed elderly. Participants with more social support had lower.Conclusions. In summary, the direct impact of demographic, social, and psychological factors on frailty syndrome is important, so more specialized studies in this area are necessary.