Higher Levels Of Social Support Research Articles

Predictors of Personal and Social Adjustment among Israeli-Palestinian Teenagers

In the current study, we sought to uncover whether self-control, social support and subjective well-being enhance social and personal adjustment among Arab-Palestinian teenagers in Israel. We used a sample of 800 adolescents, and applied a cross-sectional methodology. Regression analyses revealed that: 1) higher levels of social support predicted higher levels of both personal and social adjustment; 2) higher levels of self-control predicted higher levels of personal and social adjustment and; 3) higher levels of positive affect predicted higher levels of both personal and social adjustment, whereas higher levels of negative affect predicted lower levels of both personal and social adjustment. Educational staff, as well as mental health professionals, should take note of these findings while working with Arab-Palestinian teenagers whose personal and social adjustment can be particularly challenging because of the complex processes of modernization, Israelization and Palestinization.

Job stress and depressive symptoms among migrant workers in Macau: A moderated mediation model of self-esteem and perceived social support.

Damaged self-esteem can explain the negative effects of various job stresses on depressive symptoms of migrant workers. Social support may threaten workers' self-esteem in highly stressful environments, and in turn worsen their mental health. This study aimed to examine the indirect role of self-esteem in the relationship between job stress and depressive symptoms among migrant workers in Macau and whether this indirect effect is modified by social support. A sample of 900 mainland Chinese migrant workers was recruited into the study. Job stress, social support, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms were measured. Conditional process analysis was used to examine the proposed moderated mediation model. Job stress was associated with depressive symptoms through lower self-esteem. The indirect effect of job stress on depressive symptoms via decreased self-esteem was significant among migrant workers with higher levels of social support, but not among migrant workers with lower levels of social support. Our findings suggest that when migrant workers perceive a high level of social support, job stress is more likely to threaten their self-esteem and in turn increase their risk for depression. Future efforts aimed at promoting the mental health of migrant workers need to tailor interventions to avoid the threatening effect of social support on self-esteem in job environments with high stress.

Exploring links between witnessed and instigated workplace incivility

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how witnessing workplace incivility from coworkers and supervisors relates to instigating incivility toward others. A further aim was to investigate if witnessed incivility is indirectly related to instigated incivility via perceived stress and low job satisfaction. An additional aim was to study if control, social support and job embeddedness moderate the relationships between witnessed and instigated incivility.Design/methodology/approachA total of 978 individuals, sourced from a Swedish trade union, completed an online questionnaire.FindingsThe results showed that witnessed incivility, mainly from coworkers but also from supervisors, was related to instigated incivility. Although witnessed incivility was related to both perceived stress and low job satisfaction, witnessed incivility was not linked to instigated incivility via perceived stress or low job satisfaction. In addition, the results showed that participants who had witnessed coworker incivility and at the same time perceived high levels of control, social support (from coworkers) or job embeddedness on average reported higher levels of instigated incivility. Similarly, participants who had witnessed supervisor incivility and at the same time perceived high levels of control, social support (from coworkers and supervisors) or job embeddedness on average reported higher levels of instigated incivility.Originality/valueThe findings expand the literature on bystander workplace incivility and highlight the importance of including experienced psychosocial work factors in models of incivility.

835-P: Examining and Validating Social Support (SS) Related to Reproductive Health (RH) Behaviors and Seeking Preconception Counseling (PC) in Female Adolescents with Diabetes

Adolescent girls with diabetes are at risk for RH complications and unplanned pregnancies. Tight glycemic control with PC can reduce these risks. Social support from significant others has improved health outcomes in people with diabetes, and may help adolescent girls regarding RH. This secondary analysis: 1)described the amount (1=no help, to 7=a lot of help) and type of available SS (3 subscales: emotional, informational, and instrumental) perceived by adolescent females with diabetes toward RH behaviors and seeking PC; 2)examined the construct validity among total and subscale scores of a SS measure adapted for RH and diabetes; 3)examined the associations of SS with RH behaviors (e.g., birth control), seeking PC, and RH communication with healthcare providers (HCPs). Baseline data were used from 113 adolescent girls with diabetes (90% T1D; duration of diabetes of 9.3±3.9 years; average HbA1c 8.4±1.7%; mean±SD age of 16.2±1.6 years; 81% white, 20% sexually active), who participated in READY-Girls Trial testing the efficacy of a PC intervention to reduce RH complications among adolescents with diabetes. Teens completed measures on SS, RH behaviors, seeking PC, and communication with HCPs. Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses were performed. Adolescents perceived on average moderately high levels of SS: total (5.5±1.5), emotional (5.5±1.6), instrumental (5.4±1.5), and informational (5.6±1.5); 31% had some communication with HCPs. There were significant associations between total SS and all its subscales (p<.05) and among all SS subscales (p<.05). Significant associations were found between emotional and instrumental SS with effective use of birth control (p=.047, .055). Our measure of SS appears to have strong construct validity with trends for concurrent validity. Following further psychometric analyses, this SS measure could help advance research in the area. Disclosure H. Abujaradeh: None. S.M. Sereika: None. D.J. Becker: Other Relationship; Self; Jaeb Center for Health Research, MannKind Corporation, Sanofi Research & Development. A.F. Fischl: None. D. Charron-Prochownik: None. Funding Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD-044097); Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (M01-RR-0084); Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research Center; National Center for Research Resources (UL1-RR-024153); National Institute of Nursing Research (P30-NR-03924)

Social support, mental health needs, and HIV risk behaviors: a gender-specific, correlation study

BackgroundThe HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to threaten the health and wellbeing of millions in the United States and worldwide. Syndemic theory suggests that HIV/AIDS can cooccur with other afflictions. As close to 20% of US adults live with a mental health condition, it is critical to understand the correlation between HIV risk behaviors and mental health needs, as well as protective factors such as social support in intervening the association between mental distress and HIV risk behaviors. Furthermore, as past research has shown mixed results concerning the function of social support on HIV risks by gender, it is important to conduct a gender-specific analysis.MethodsTo assess the relationship between mental health needs, social support, and HIV risk behaviors, and to assess if social support can be a buffer, weakening the effect of mental health needs on HIV risk, in 2018, we analyzed representative, cross-sectional data from 2016 BRFSS collected from 33,705 individuals from four states in the United States, stratified by gender. Weighted logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, race, marital status, education, and annual income, assessed the correlation between mental health needs, social support, and HIV risk behaviors. Furthermore, interaction analyses were performed to see if social support modifies the slope of mental health needs as a function of HIV risk behaviors.ResultsFor both genders, the odds of participating in HIV risk behaviors increase with mental health needs and decrease with the level of social support. Furthermore, social support mitigates the association between mental health needs and HIV risk behavior involvement for males, as males receiving high level of social support have least odds of HIV risk behaviors relative to males receiving low level of social support. Notably, for females, social support does not serve as a buffer against HIV risk behaviors when their mental health needs increase.ConclusionThe study contributes to the knowledge base of HIV prevention and highlights the important role of mental health and social support against HIV risk behaviors when developing gender-specific prevention strategies.

“I cannot sit here and eat alone when I know a fellow Ghanaian is suffering”: Perceptions of food insecurity among Ghanaian migrants

In the UK, ethnic minority groups tend to have higher levels of poverty than the white British population and therefore may be at high risk of food insecurity. Ghanaians, living in Ghana or as migrants are thought to have a high level of social support in their communities, but the role of this resource in relation to food security is unknown. We explored participants’ perceptions of social and economic factors influencing food security among Ghanaian migrants in Greater Manchester.Participants aged ≥25 years (n = 31) of Ghanaian ancestry living in Greater Manchester were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide developed by the researchers. Participants varied in socioeconomic status (SES), gender and migration status. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a framework approach.Participants offered similar accounts of the social and economic factors influencing food security. Accounts were based on participants' perceptions and/or personal experiences of food insecurity within the community. Participants indicated that they and their fellow Ghanaians can ‘manage’ even when they described quite challenging food access environments. This has negative implications on their food choices in the UK. Participants reported food insecure households may be reluctant to make use of food banks for fear of ‘gossip’ and ‘pride’. Paradoxically, this reluctance does not extend to close network. Many participants described the church and other social groups as a trusted base in which people operate; support given through these channels is more acceptable than through the ‘official context’. Government assisted food banks could partner with the social groups within this community given that these are more trusted. Keywords: food insecurity; food choice; social networks; Ghanaians; healthy eating; migrants.

Correlates of animal source food consumption and its association with psychosocial functioning of adults in rural Western Uganda

The objective of this study was to examine the correlates of animal source food consumption and its association with psychosocial functioning of adults living in a rural district in Western Uganda. A cross-sectional sample of 326 rural adults living in 12 villages in Masindi District was surveyed using a questionnaire that included items on various animal source foods (ASF), psychosocial functioning, and social and economic characteristics. We calculated ASF scores using three methods suggested in the literature, including the World Food Programme’s calculation of a food consumption score. We defined psychosocial functioning as ability to complete activities of daily living or to engage in future-oriented behaviors. Multivariable results indicated that being satisfied with current household financial status, living in better dwelling conditions, ownership of livestock, and higher levels of social support were significantly associated with higher ASF scores. Household size and age were negatively associated with ASF scores. ASF consumption was positively and significantly associated with psychosocial functioning, including orientation toward success, expectations for future economic conditions, and self-perceived health. Study findings expand evidence on correlates of ASF consumption and its association with psychosocial functioning. Findings may underscore both opportunities and challenges associated with ASF consumption. Alongside hunger and undernutrition associated with low ASF consumption, the country’s increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity associated with high ASF consumption may require an integrated approach for tackling the double burden of malnutrition.

A Comparison of Caregiving Burden and Social Support Levels of Parents of Children Undergoing Liver Transplant

PurposeThis study was conducted to compare caregiving burden and social support levels of parents of children who have undergone a liver transplant. Designs and methodsThis study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected using a parent information form, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were collected via face-to-face interview after written consent was obtained from the parents of children who had received a liver transplant. ResultsParent participants were found to have a high caregiving burden and low levels of social support from their surroundings. Parents who experienced change in their work life, social and family relationships, and had economic problems post-transplant, had a higher caregiving burden and may have lower social support. Parents whose children had a transplant from a cadaveric donor and continued to attend school were found to have a lower caregiving burden. There was a negative correlation between parent caregiving burden and social support scores; that is, caregiving burden (R2 = 0.57, p < 0.01) was significantly affected by social support (B = −0.682, β = −0.757). ConclusionsThis study concluded that parents receiving social support may have a lower caregiving burden, and some of their socio-demographic characteristics may have a positive effect on social support and caregiving burden. Practice implicationsHealth professionals need to pay special attention to the social support and caregiving burden of parents whose children have had an organ transplant.

Testosterone moderates the effects of social support on cardiovascular disease risk factors among older US men.

Social support positively affects health through pathways such as shaping intrapersonal emotional and psychological well-being. Lower testosterone often interrelates with psychological and behavioral orientations that are beneficial to participation in emotionally supportive relationships. Yet, little research has considered the ways in which testosterone may contribute to health outcomes related to emotional support. We draw on testosterone, social support data, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-relevant indicators (inflammatory markers; blood pressure [BP]) from older men (n = 366) enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a US nationally representative study. We test whether men's testosterone moderates associations between emotional social support and markers related to CVD risk. For men with relatively lower testosterone, higher levels of social support predicted lower white blood cell (WBC) counts, consistent with reduced inflammation. In contrast, men with higher testosterone exhibited elevated WBC counts with greater support. In a diverging pattern, men with lower testosterone had higher systolic and diastolic BP with higher support, whereas the slopes for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively, were comparatively flatter for men with higher levels of testosterone. We suggest that our findings are theoretically consistent with the idea that testosterone helps shape intrapersonal and interpersonal experiences and perceptions of men's emotional support networks, thereby affecting the health implications of that support. The somewhat divergent results for WBC count vs BP highlight the need for inclusion of other neuroendocrine markers alongside testosterone as well as refined measures of perceived and received support.

Immigration Stress among Recent Latino Immigrants: The Protective Role of Social Support and Religious Social Capital

ABSTRACTReligious institutions can be a source of support for recent Latino immigrants struggling to adjust to a new culture. For undocumented immigrants, who are often marginalized from other formal institutions, they may symbolize a place of refuge and hope through supportive social networks that mitigate common challenges such as social isolation and other forms of immigration stress. This cross-sectional study examined the impact of religious social capital and social support on immigration stress among documented and undocumented recent Latino immigrants (N = 408). Religious social capital was associated with higher levels of social support, while social support was protective against immigration stress. Social support mediated associations between religious social capital and immigration stress, but only among undocumented immigrants. Findings suggest religious social capital may be a particularly useful resource for undocumented immigrants, aiding in the provision of social support and in decreasing levels of immigration stress. Future research directions and implications for culturally tailored service delivery are presented.

Stigma and Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer

To identify groups of participants with high and low levels of stigma and to examine the influence of stigma on social support, social constraints, symptom severity, symptom interference, and quality of life (QOL). 62 individuals with lung cancer were identified and recruited from a comprehensive cancer center in the southeastern United States. Participants completed a questionnaire that included demographic information and measures of stigma, symptom severity and interference, social support, social constraints, and QOL. IBM SPSS Statistics TwoStep Cluster Analysis was used to identify high- and low-stigma groups. Independent sample t tests were used to compare differences between the groups. 22 participants had a high level of stigma; they had significantly higher symptom severity on feeling distressed, problems remembering things, and feeling sad, and greater symptom interference related to mood, relations with others, and enjoyment of life. Participants also had significantly higher levels of social support and lower social constraints. Stigma was significantly related to lower levels of QOL. Nurses should be aware that stigma may influence various factors throughout the disease trajectory; they can privately assess individuals with lung cancer for access to social supports, feelings of stigma, and QOL, and make appropriate referrals as needed.

Correlates of low-adherence to oral hypoglycemic medications among Hispanic/Latinos of Mexican heritage with Type 2 Diabetes in the United States

AimsWe examined psychosocial- and social/economic factors related to low medication adherence, and sex differences, among 279 adults of Mexican heritage with Type 2 Diabetes. MethodsSelf-report and health record data were used for cross-sectional analyses. Bivariate analyses tested the association of demographic, psychosocial (depression, anxiety, stress) and social/economic factors (insurance type, health literacy, social support) and medication adherence measured by proportion of days covered. Hierarchical regression analyses examined associations between demographic, psychosocial- and social/economic- related factors and low medication adherence stratified by sex. ResultsMore males than females demonstrated low adherence to hypoglycemic medications (75.0.% vs. 70.3%) (p < 0.05). We found significant differences between levels social support and medication adherence (p < 0.05). In hierarchical models, being US born and higher levels of social support were associated with low adherence among males (p < 0.05, and p < 0.001). ConclusionsApproximately 72% of Mexican heritage adults demonstrated low adherence (PDC ≤ 0.50) to their hypoglycemic regimen, and gender differences exist. Interventions should address gender differences in preferences for social support to improve medication-taking behaviors among Mexican heritage males.

The influence of social support on loneliness and depression among older elderly people in China: Coping styles as mediators.

This study examines the direct effect of social support and the mediating effects of coping styles on loneliness and depression of older elderly people in China using data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Our sample includes 905 males and 741 females aged 75 years and over. The mean age of the sample is 79.71 (standard deviation = 4.01). We use structural equation modeling to show that social support is significantly negatively associated with the incidence of loneliness and depression among older elderly people. Higher levels of social support are also significantly negatively associated with the use of negative coping styles and consequently predict fewer symptoms of loneliness and depression. A higher level of social support is significantly positively associated with positive coping styles and consequently predicts fewer depressive symptoms. However, positive coping styles are not significantly associated with loneliness. These findings emphasize the importance of social networks in resilience and have significant implications for gerontological social work practice in China.

The relationship between perceived social support and depressive symptoms in informal caregivers of community-dwelling older persons in Chile.

AIMDepression among caregivers of older persons is a serious concern, but it is often overlooked and neglected in developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived social support and depression in informal caregivers of community‐dwelling older persons in Chile.MethodsWe analyzed cross‐sectional secondary data on 377 dyads of community‐dwelling older persons and their informal caregivers from a nationwide survey in Chile. The Duke‐UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) was used to measure caregivers’ perceived social support, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale assessed their depression.ResultsIn this study, 76.9% of the caregivers perceived a high level of social support, and 46.9% were assessed as having depression. Based on multivariable analysis, factors that decrease the likelihood of being depressed are a high level of social support (odds ratio (OR) = 0.311, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.167–0.579) and having taken holidays in the past 12 months (OR = 0.513, 95%CI: 0.270–0.975). Factors that increase the likelihood of being depressed are being a female caregiver (OR = 2.296, 95%CI: 1.119–4.707), being uninsured (OR = 4.321, 95%CI: 1.750–10.672), being the partner or spouse of the care recipient (OR = 3.832, 95%CI: 1.546–9.493), and the number of hours of care (OR = 1.053, 95%CI: 1.021–1.085).ConclusionHigher levels of perceived social support and holidays were associated with lower levels of depression. However, being female, being the care recipient's partner or spouse, being uninsured, and having long care periods had detrimental effects. Interventions to preserve and enhance perceived social support could help improve depressive symptoms in informal caregivers. Additionally, support should be available to caregivers who are women, uninsured, and the care recipient's partner or spouse, as well as those who provide care for long hours, to ensure they have respite from their caregiving role.

Depressive Symptoms Following Work-Related Violence and Threats and the Modifying Effect of Organizational Justice, Social Support, and Safety Perceptions.

Work-related threats and violence is a major occupational hazard and the consequences for victims may be a range of physical and psychological symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between exposure to work-related violence and threats and subsequent risk for depression and to examine whether the associations were modified by social support, organizational justice and safety perceptions. Questionnaire data was collected in 2010, 2011 and in 2015. A total of 5,342 employees from special schools, psychiatric wards, eldercare and the Prison and Probation Services (PPS) participated in the first round in 2010. The analysis was performed by multivariate logistic regression. Staff exposed for work-related threats and violence had an increased risk for depression compared to non-exposed staff. The risk was highest for staff working in PPS. Compared to low levels, there were a tendency for high levels of social support, organizational justice and safety perception to attenuate the associations between work-related threats and violence and depression. However, none of the differences were statistically significant. Many employees working in human service sectors are exposed to work-related threats and violence which increases the risk for depression. The risk for depression following work-related threats and violence may be modified by social support, organizational justice and the perception of safety workplace. It is recommended that workplaces adopt an integrated organizational approach including both prevention of work-related threats and violence and intervention to modify the health consequences of work-related threats and violence.

Social support buffers the negative influence of perceived injustice on pain interference in people living with HIV and chronic pain.

Introduction:A growing literature attests to the overwhelming prevalence of disabling chronic pain among people living with HIV (PLWH), yet very little is known about psychosocial contributors to poor chronic pain outcomes in this population. Pain-related perception of injustice may promote pain interference by hindering engagement in daily activities among individuals with chronic pain. Social support has been shown to buffer the negative impact of harmful beliefs on well-being and facilitate adjustment to chronic pain.Objective:This cross-sectional study tested the buffering hypothesis of social support to determine whether increasing levels of social support mitigate the negative influence of perceived injustice on pain interference.Methods:A total of 60 PLWH with chronic pain completed measures of perceived injustice, social support, pain severity, and interference, as well as depressive symptoms.Results:In a regression-based model adjusted for age, sex, depressive symptoms, and pain severity, results indicated that social support significantly moderated (ie, buffered) the association between perceived injustice and pain interference (P = 0.028). Specifically, it was found that perceived injustice was significantly associated with greater pain interference among PLWH with low levels of social support (P = 0.047), but not those with intermediate (P = 0.422) or high levels of social support (P = 0.381).Conclusion:Pain-related injustice perception reflects harmful beliefs regarding severity of loss consequent to chronic pain development, a sense of unfairness, and irreparability of loss. Access to a social support network may provide an adaptive means of mitigating the negative effects of perceived injustice.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS RELATED TO RETURNING TO SPORT IN ADOLESCENTS FOLLOWING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

Objectives: “Return-to-sport” (RTS) criteria following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction lacks standardization. In addition to functional strength and knee joint stability, psychological factors may also affect readiness to RTS. The present study aimed to assess the association between perceived levels of social support and confidence in RTS among adolescent athletes prior to undergoing ACL reconstruction. We hypothesized that athletes who perceived higher levels of social support would have greater confidence in their ultimate ability to return to their previous level of play after ACL reconstruction. Methods: Fifty-three subjects completed two questionnaires prior to undergoing ACL reconstruction: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and a psycho-vitality (PV) questionnaire. We performed a multiple linear regression to assess if MSPSS score was associated with confidence in returning to sport (PV score), while controlling for the independent effects of age and gender. Independent sample t-tests were also used to compare MSPSS scores between those who did and did not state that they had doubts in their ability to RTS and those who were and were not willing to settle for a less strenuous sporting activity than previously, based on the PV questionnaire responses. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.6±1.7 years (range 9-18 years) with 42% males. There was no significant association between MSPSS total score (mean= 6.22±0375, range= 4-7) and PV total score (mean= 13.8±3.0, range= 8-18; ß coefficient= -0.63, 95% CI= -1.77, 0.52, p = 0.28). Those who reported doubts in returning to sport did not significantly differ than those who reported no doubts (n=19) in MSPSS total score (6.07±0.82 vs. 6.30±0.70; p = 0.29; Cohen’s d= 0.31). Similarly, those who did and did not respond that they were willing to settle for a less strenuous sporting activity had similar MSPSS scores (6.14±0.81 vs. 6.47±0.45; p= 0.17; Cohen’s d= 0.44). Conclusion: Previous studies suggest that psychological factors play a role in successful RTS, yet the specifics of how this pertains to adolescent athletes remain unknown. The present study suggests that prior to ACL reconstruction, perceived social support does not significantly influence confidence in the ability to ultimately RTS following surgery and subsequent rehabilitation in young athletes. Future studies will aim to correlate these variables between pre-operative and actual RTS time points, as well as to investigate how other factors, such as motivation and self-esteem, are influenced by social support and affect ultimate RTS success.

Somatization and Coping in Ethnic Minority Recruits.

Military service can have beneficial social effects on minorities. However, minority groups are also often at greater risk of somatizing psychological distress and coping maladaptively. In military training this would result in lower mental health of minorities and contribute to higher drop-out rates. We thus examined if recruits with different ethnocultural backgrounds report different somatization levels and coping styles. Seven hundred and forty male recruits of the Swiss Armed Forces aged 18-26 took part in a cross-sectional study during basic training. Participants filled out self-rating questionnaires covering sociodemographics, somatization (SCL-90-R), coping styles (INCOPE-2), and social support (F-SozU). The recruits' ethnic self-identification was used to compare three groups: native Swiss (89%); Turkish or Balkan minority (5%); heterogeneous ethnic minority (6%). Group differences in somatization scores were tested with a Kruskal-Wallis test; group differences in coping styles were tested with a multivariate ANCOVA, controlling for the level of social support experienced. Recruits from the heterogeneous ethnic minority group reported significantly greater levels of somatization than their native Swiss comrades. Coping styles did not differ between the three ethnic groups, but higher levels of social support were associated with better coping. Military doctors ought to place importance on the differential diagnosis of medically unexplained physical symptoms in ethnic minority recruits. This would contribute to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis. Military mental health professionals who counsel recruits reporting somatic symptoms are advised to be sensitized to an ethnic minority status. Physical complaints could mask affective problems or be part of an adjustment disorder symptomatology.

Social support for patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundTo assess how social support relates to parameters of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and how social support affects patient's prognosis within 1 year after surgery. MethodsThe study included 739 male and 236 female patients (975) who underwent PCI. To determine level of social support, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was used. The mean duration of a prospective follow-up was 12.0 ± 1.7 months. The Cox multivariate regression proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). ResultsA low level of social support in 5.7% of patients was observed, while 30.5% had a moderate level and 63.8% had a high level. Patients with low and moderate levels of social support were older than those with high level. Among patients with high levels of social support, more were male compared to patients with moderate level. During observation, 24 patients died from all causes (2.5%), while 21 (2.2%) died from CVD. In the multivariate Cox regression model the HR of social support for all causes of death was 0.97 (95% confidence interval, [CI], 0.94–0.99, p = 0.007), while death from CVD was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94–1.00, p = 0.048). For patients with low level of social support, the HR for death from all causes was 4.52 (95% CI, 1.37–14.95, p = 0.013), while death from CVD was 3.66 (95% CI, 0.94–14.25, p = 0.061). ConclusionSocial support level was associated with age and gender, and significantly and independently affected CAD patients' risk of death after PCI.

A cross-cultural examination of masculinity and health behaviour in Hong Kong: the mediating role of age and social support

ABSTRACTObjectives: Examine masculinity as a predictor of engagement in health behaviour, and explore the mediating effect of age and social support on the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and health behaviour among a sample of Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, Caucasian, and South Asian men living in Hong Kong.Methods: A cross-cultural community sample of 495 men aged 18–81 years (Mage = 39.87 years) were recruited to the study. Participants completed self-report measures of conformity to masculine norms (CMNI), social support (MSPSS), and health behaviour (HBI).Results: Conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement with health behaviour, meanwhile age and social support mediated the relationship between conformity and health behaviour. Conformity was stronger among younger men, while higher levels of social support were predictive of poorer engagement in health behaviour for men in the present study. Findings from the multiple mediation revealed that social support better accounted for poorer engagement in health behaviour when compared to age.Conclusions: While much of the literature has focused on the toxic impact of masculinity on men’s health, the present findings demonstrate that conformity to masculine norms does not necessarily equate with health risk behaviour. The association between lower levels of social support and health behaviour were interesting and demonstrate men’s autonomy in health matters; this contradicts previous findings emphasising the importance of social support in influencing men’s positive health behaviour. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for and applications to men’s health and health promotion.