Lower Levels Of Social Support Research Articles

Typology of family caregivers of older persons: A latent profile analysis using elder mistreatment risk and protective factors

ABSTRACT This study sought to identify subpopulations of caregivers of older persons based on their profiles of individual characteristics and caregiving contexts and aimed at examining the associations between caregiver profiles and elder mistreatment. A convenient sample of 600 adult caregivers of community-dwelling older people in Hong Kong participated. Results of latent profile analysis support a typology of 3 distinctive caregiver profiles: (a) non-vulnerable caregivers; (b) isolated, vulnerable caregivers; and (c) traumatized, vulnerable caregivers. Isolated and traumatized caregivers reported greater risk factors related to elder mistreatment: They had higher levels of caregiver stress and burden, lower levels of social support and resilience, greater neurotic personality orientation and problematic gambling behavior, and more severe childhood traumatic experiences. The two groups also display significantly higher level of abusive behaviors than non-vulnerable caregivers.

Socio-demographic characteristics associated with perceived social support among parents of children aged 0–7 years: the CIKEO study

BackgroundSocial support has been associated with numerous positive outcomes for families’ health, wellbeing and empowerment. This study examined which socio-demographic characteristics are associated with perceived social support among parents of children aged 0–7 years.MethodCross-sectional data of 1007 parents of children aged 0–7 years, gathered in the CIKEO cohort study in the Netherlands, were analysed. Social support was assessed with the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Linear regression models were used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and perceived social support.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 34.1 years (SD = 5.1); 92.9% were mothers. The multivariable regression model showed that fathers (β: -0.15, 95% CI: − 0.22, − 0.08), parents with a low educational level (β: -0.12, 95% CI: 0.18, − 0.06), parents with a low income (β: -0.10, 95% CI: − 0.19, − 0.01), unemployed parents (β: -0.14, 95% CI: − 0.20, − 0.07), and parents of older children (β: -0.07; 95% CI: − 0.13, 0.00) perceived lower levels of social support. Interaction analyses showed that parents with a migration background and a low educational level were particularly susceptible to perceiving lower levels of support (β: -0.34, 95% CI: − 0.52, − 0.15).ConclusionFathers, parents with a low educational level, parents with a low income, unemployed parents, parents of older children, and parents with both a migration background and a low educational level are at increased risk of perceiving lower levels of social support.ImplicationsWe recommend to develop, implement and evaluate intervention strategies to strengthen perceived social support among the abovementioned subgroups of parents, in order to improve families’ health, wellbeing and empowerment.Trial registrationNTR7607 in the Netherlands trial registry.

The psychosocial dimension of housing in Nunavik: does social support vary with household crowding?

Studies show that living in overcrowded households can contribute to the erosion of social support, which is an important factor in health and well-being. In this study, we examine the relationship between household crowding and social support for Inuit living in Nunavik (hereafter referred to as Nunavimmiut), a region where housing shortages are considered a serious public health problem. We assess whether overcrowding is associated with lower levels of perceived social support and whether this association varies by gender and age group. Cross-sectional data are from Qanuilirpitaa? the 2017 Nunavik Health Survey (N = 1306; aged 16 years and older). A perceived social support index was derived from answers to questions related to three different components of social support: positive interaction, emotional support, and love and affection. Associations between overcrowding (more than one person per room) and perceived social support were assessed using weighted linear and logistic regressions, adjusted for several factors. Sex- and age-stratified analyses were also conducted. Nunavimmiut report significantly lower levels of social support when living in overcrowded households, independently of other covariates. Analyses stratified by sex and age further show that the detrimental association between overcrowding and perceived social support is higher and stronger for men and older adults (both men and women 55 years and older). Overcrowding is associated with lower levels of perceived social support, which is a key component of health for the general population and for Nunavimmiut. Future research should examine the factors creating stronger associations between overcrowding and lower social support for men and older adults.

Mother-infant emotional availability through the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining continuity, stability, and bidirectional associations.

The COVID-19 pandemic may impact the development of infants' social communication patterns with their caregivers. The current study examined continuity, stability, and bidirectional associations in maternal and infant dyadic Emotional Availability (EA) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 110 Israeli mother-infant dyads (51% girls) that were assessed prior to (Mage=3.5months) and during (Mage=12.4months) the pandemic. At both time points, mother-infant interactions were observed during play (nonstressful context) and tasks designed to elicit infant frustration (stressful context). Maternal and child EA were coded offline. Maternal EA demonstrated no significant mean-level changes from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas infant responsiveness and involvement increased over time. Stability and bidirectional associations in EA differed by context and were evident only in the stressful context. Mothers' perceived levels of social support further moderated these associations. Specifically, infants' pre-pandemic responsiveness and involvement predicted maternal EA during the pandemic only when mothers reported low levels of social support. Our findings suggest that maternal and child EA were not adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, patterns of EA demonstrated moderate-to-no stability over time, suggesting considerable individual differences in trajectories of EA.

Burden Experienced by Primary Caregivers of Children With Psychotic Disorders and at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis.

Despite the existing research exploring caregiver burden in adult psychosis, few studies have examined the experience of providing care to children diagnosed with psychotic disorders (PDs) and those identified as having clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P). This study measured the level of burden in caregivers of children with PD and CHR-P and examined associated risk factors, including social support, caregiver-child relationship, severity of illness, and frequency of psychiatric hospitalizations. A total of 56 caregivers completed validated measures and provided demographic information. Measures included the Zarit Burden Interview, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition, Parenting Relationship Questionnaire-Child and Adolescent Form (BASC-3 PRQ-CA), and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale. The majority of caregivers were women (86%), mothers (84%), White (63%), married (66%), working full-time (50%), college-educated (79%), and whose mean age was 45.7 years (SD = 8.09). Nearly half of the caregivers (45%) reported a high level of caregiver burden, 39% rated their burden in the mild to moderate range, and 16% reported little to no burden. There was no significant difference in mean burden between PD and CHR-P groups. Higher caregiver burden was associated with lower levels of social support (r = -.408, p = .002), lower levels of parenting confidence (r = -.514, p < .001), higher levels of relational frustration (r = .612, p < .001), and higher severity of illness (r = .316 p = .025). These findings underscore the critical unmet need for support for caregivers of children with PD and CHR-P. Applications to clinical practice are discussed.

Development of students' social support profiles and their association with students' study wellbeing.

Effective social support from teachers, peers, and guardians is a key to promoting students' study wellbeing at school. However, little longitudinal research has examined the implications of distinctive combinations of social support for students' study wellbeing. To address this limitation, we measured multiple dimensions of school-related social support (teacher, peer, and guardian support), study engagement, and study-related burnout in a sample of 1,545 Finnish lower secondary school students in Grades 7, 8, and 9 (age 13, girls 51%). Latent transition analyses identified a six-profile solution for each wave of data and revealed substantial inequality in perceived social support. First, we found four profiles where social support from all three sources was experienced either on high, moderate, low, or very low level labeled as strong support (33%), moderate support (43%), low support (13%), and exceptionally low support (3%), respectively. In addition, two "mixed profiles" were found, where a low level of social support from one source was combined with moderate levels of social support from two other sources. These two profiles were labeled as adult support (5%) and low teacher support (3%) profiles. The social support profiles differed from each other in terms of study engagement and study-related burnout, suggesting that social support from specific sources has a somewhat different effect on features of students' study wellbeing. Moreover, the results showed that the experiences of school-related social support and study wellbeing are prone to change, highlighting the importance of each source of support throughout the students' school path. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Lifestyle support preferences of patients with cardiovascular diseases: What lifestyle support might work best for whom?

Lifestyle support is essential in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and eHealth may be an easy and affordable solution to provide this support. However, CVD patients vary in their ability and interest to use eHealth. This study investigates demographic characteristics determining CVD patients' online and offline lifestyle support preferences. We used a cross-sectional study design. 659 CVD patients (Harteraad panel) completed our questionnaire. We assessed demographic characteristics and preferred lifestyle support type (coach, eHealth, family/friends, self-supportive). Respondents mostly preferred being self-supportive (n = 179, 27.2%), and a coach in a group or individually (n = 145, 22.0%; n = 139, 21.1%). An app/internet to work independently (n = 89, 13.5%) or being in touch with other CVD patients (n = 44, 6.7%) was least preferred. Men were more likely to prefer being supported by family/friends (p = .016) or self-supportive (p < .001), while women preferred a coach individually or via an app/internet (p < .001). Older patients mostly preferred self-support (p = .001). Patients with low social support were more likely to prefer being coached individually (p < .001), but not support from family/friends (p = .002). Men and older patients are more interested in being self-supportive, and patients with lower levels of social support could need extra support outside their social network. eHealth could provide a solution, but attention should be paid to spike interest for digital interventions among certain groups.

Medical students' crisis-induced stress and the association with social support.

Medical schools are challenged to guard student wellbeing given the potential negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak combined with an already high prevalence of mental distress. Although social support is generally associated with less crisis-induced stress, it is unknown whether this applies to medical students during the COVID-19 outbreak. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on perceived stress of medical students was assessed by comparing their perceived stress levels during the outbreak to both their own baseline and the previous cohort's pre-COVID-19 stress levels. Then, the association between social support and stress during the COVID-19 outbreak was assessed. Dutch Year-1 medical students of cohort 2019 (n = 99) completed the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) at two time points: baseline (pre-COVID-19) and final measurement (COVID-19). Social support-emotional-informational support and club membership-was assessed during the final measurement. PSS and social support scores were compared to similar measurements of cohort 2018 (n = 196). Students' baseline stress levels, gender, and study performance were controlled for when comparing final stress levels. In cohort 2018 (pre-COVID-19), students' perceived stress levels did not differ significantly between the baseline and final measurements. Additionally, baseline stress levels of the two cohorts (2018 and 2019) were not found to be significantly different. Cohort 2019's final stress levels (COVID-19) were significantly higher compared to their baseline stress levels (paired t-test: t = 6.07, p < .001) and cohort 2018's final stress levels (linear regression: B = 4.186, p < .001). Only during the COVID-19 outbreak higher social support levels-i.e., emotional-informational support (B = -0.75, p < .001) and club membership (B = -3.68, p < .01)-were associated with lower stress levels. During the COVID-19 outbreak, medical students' perceived stress levels were higher-especially for students with lower social support levels. Our results suggest that medical schools should optimize social support to minimize crisis-induced stress.

Associations of systemic inflammation and social support with suicidal ideation in patients with acute coronary syndrome and stroke

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate associations of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and social support (SS) levels with suicidal ideation (SI), and to evaluate potential modifying effects of SS on the associations between serum hsCRP levels and SI in two longitudinal cohorts with cardio-/cerebrovascular diseases. Methods1152 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 423 stroke patients were recruited at baseline within 2 weeks of disease onset, and evaluated for: i) serum hsCRP levels; ii) SS by the Social Support Scale and Social Undermining Scale; iii) SI by the “suicidal thoughts” item of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale; and iv) covariates including socio-demographics, depression, vascular risk factors, and index disease severity. At 12-month follow-up, SI was re-evaluated. Logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential covariates. ResultsIn the ACS cohort, higher serum hsCRP and lower SS levels were significantly associated with SI at baseline; and only lower SS levels were significantly associated with SI at follow-up. In the stroke cohort, lower SS levels were significantly associated with SI at baseline; but no other association was found. Associations of serum hsCRP levels with SI at both baseline and follow-up were only significant at higher SS levels with significant interaction terms in both cohorts. LimitationsThis study evaluated SI, but not suicide attempts or death; it also used a single-center design. ConclusionsBy considering SS evaluations with routine serum hsCRP levels in cardio-/cerebrovascular disease, clinical prediction of SI both at acute and chronic phases of the diseases might be improved.

Social Support and Mental Health in the Postpartum Period in Times of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Spanish Multicentre Cohort Study

To explore the depression and anxiety symptoms in the postpartum period during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to identify potential risk factors. A multicentre observational cohort study including 536 women was performed at three hospitals in Spain. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Scale, the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) were assessed after birth. Depression (EPDS) and anxiety (STAI) symptoms were measured, and the cut-off scores were set at 10 and 13 for EPDS, and at 40 for STAI. Regarding EPDS, 32.3% (95% CI, 28% to 36.5%) of women had a score ≥ 10, and 17.3% (95% CI, 13.9% to 20.7%) had a score ≥ 13. Women with an STAI score ≥ 40 accounted for 46.8% (95% CI, 42.3% to 51.2%). A lower level of social support (MOS-SSS), a fetal malformation diagnosis and a history of depression (p = 0.000, p = 0.019 and p = 0.043) were independent risk factors for postpartum depression. A lower level of social support and a history of mental health disorders (p = 0.000, p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for postpartum anxiety. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression were observed during the postpartum period.

Mediating Effects of Rehabilitation Motivation between Social Support and Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Stroke.

Post-stroke health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is poor, which is related to low social support levels and lack of rehabilitation motivation. However, there are limited studies that have systematically analyzed the mechanisms underlying this relationship in stroke patients. This study aimed to identify the mediating effects of rehabilitation motivation on the relationship between social support and HRQoL among stroke patients. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 176 Koreans aged ≥19 years who were admitted for rehabilitation treatment after stroke at three general hospitals in Jeonbuk. Data collection was conducted from September to December 2020 through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and review of medical records. The significance of the mediation model was tested using SPSS 25.0 and the PROCESS macro for SPSS v3.5. Significant associations were identified between social support and HRQoL. Our findings revealed an indirect effect, suggesting that the effects of social support on HRQoL are mediated by rehabilitation motivation (B = 0.004, 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval = 0.002, 0.006). Social support for stroke patients had a positive effect on HRQoL, and rehabilitation motivation was found to have a partial mediating effect on this relationship. This study suggests that social support from healthcare professionals and families for post-stroke can improve patients' HRQoL by inducing positive rehabilitation motivation. Therefore, developing intervention strategies to motivate rehabilitation could improve the HRQoL of patients with stroke.

The impact of antenatal depressive symptoms on exclusive breastfeeding intention: A moderating effect analysis

ObjectiveExclusive breastfeeding intention is an important predictor of exclusive breastfeeding behavior. Antenatal depressive symptoms are a potentially modifiable risk factor for exclusive breastfeeding intention. However, studies of the impact of antenatal depressive symptoms on exclusive breastfeeding intention are sparse and contradictory. Therefore, explorations that evaluate the effects of identical factors of exclusive breastfeeding intention and antenatal depressive symptoms in their relationship are urgently needed. This study aims to (1) investigate the impact of antenatal depressive symptoms on exclusive breastfeeding intention based on confounders related either to antenatal depressive symptoms and/or exclusive breastfeeding intention and (2) explore whether or not identical factors moderate the relationship between antenatal depressive symptoms and exclusive breastfeeding intention. Design and SettingA cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Hunan, China. ParticipantsA total of 393 pregnant women completed a self-administered questionnaire, a question on their breastfeeding intention, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale during their first-trimester hospital visit. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of antenatal depressive symptoms on exclusive breastfeeding intention. Moderate analysis was employed to explore whether identical factors moderate the relationship between antenatal depressive symptoms and exclusive breastfeeding intention. ResultsAntenatal depressive symptoms negatively affect the exclusive breastfeeding intention after controlling as fully as possible for confounders (adjusted OR = 2.88, 95% CI: [1.06, 7.82]) and it was moderated by one of the identical factors (i.e., social support). The results of the simple slope test showed a negative relationship between antenatal depressive symptoms and exclusive breastfeeding intention among pregnant women with low levels of social support (b =−0.011, p < 0.05). Conclusion and implication for practiceSocial support moderates the negative effects of depressive symptoms on exclusive breastfeeding intention. Clinical care practices and future intervention research that focus on improving antenatal depressive symptoms and exclusive breastfeeding intention should consider the moderator.

Associations between HIV stigma and social support for people living with HIV in Hyderabad, India

AbstractThe present study examined the association between social support and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) stigma through a survey of 150 people living with HIV (PLWH) in Hyderabad, India. Survey items to assess social support were adapted from the HIV Cost Services and Utilization Survey. HIV stigma was measured using Zelaya and Jeyaseelan scales that were previously validated in India. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed an inverse association between social support and HIV stigma across both stigma scales. Depression further intensified the level of stigma faced by PLWH who had lower levels of social support. Third‐gender individuals experienced significantly higher HIV stigma and lower social support than cisgender men. Social support must be used as a protective factor in current HIV stigma reduction interventions. Findings highlight the need to adopt a gender‐sensitive social support framework in HIV care policies to better address HIV stigma in the Indian context.

Psycho-social correlates of depression and anxiety disorder among Bhil indigenous population of India

ABSTRACT Objective Mental health of indigenous populations is a greatly understudied area in India. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety and also to assess the association of various psycho-social variables with depression and anxiety, among the Bhil indigenous populations of India. Methods A total of 386 participants aged between 25 and 65 years who were unrelated up to first cousins belonging to Bhil indigenous population were recruited for the present study. Depression, anxiety disorder, perceived stress, perceived loneliness and perceived social support were assessed using pre-tested, translated and validated scales. Data related to socio-demographic variables were collected using pre-tested interview schedules. Results The present study reveals a very high prevalence rate of depression (35%) and anxiety disorder (29.8%) among the studied indigenous population. Psycho-social variables such as older age, disturbed marital status, unemployment, lower level of social support, higher level of perceived stress and perceived loneliness were found to be significantly associated with depression and anxiety disorder. Further analysis shows that when the adversities are combined with each other, the severity of depression and anxiety disorder increases dramatically in the studied indigenous population. Discussion Mental health problems are prevalent among indigenous populations, especially among those groups like Bhil, who are residing in close proximity to urban areas. The present study is the first population-based study on the mental health of Bhil indigenous population. The present study contributes to the limited literature on the mental health of the indigenous population in India.

The influence of social support on subjective health among people with selected citizenships

Abstract Background Social support as a psychosocial resource has a significant impact on health. However, data on the association between social support and subjective health among people with a migration history is scarce. The aim of this analysis was to examine this association among a sample of people with selected citizenships in consideration of socio-demographic and migration-related factors. Methods Data from the project “Improving Health Monitoring in Migrant Populations (IMIRA)” was used, including people with Croatian, Polish, Romanian, Syrian, and Turkish citizenship. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyse the effect of socio-demographic (gender, age, socio-economic status (SES)) and migration-related factors (length of residence, residence status, German language proficiency) on the association between social support and subjective health (very good/good). Results A total of 60.8% of participants with a low level of social support, indicated good subjective health in comparison to 78.8% among those who reported strong support. Participants with a length of residence of over 20 years (aOR=0,29) and (very) poor German language proficiency (aOR=0,39) were less likely to report good health. A high SES had the strongest impact on good subjective health (aOR=5,42). Conclusions Overall, the results confirm the findings for the general population in a sample of people with selected citizenships. The fact that people with a migration history more often face structural and health related barriers and that the existence of resources is helpful in overcoming these, a differentiated consideration of the relationship between social support and subjective health seems necessary in order to establish targeted prevention measures. Key messages • Among people with selected citizenships, good social support has a positive impact on subjective health. • Results remain consistent when considering socio-economic and migration-related factors.

Social connectedness as a determinant of mental health: A scoping review.

Public health and epidemiologic research have established that social connectedness promotes overall health. Yet there have been no recent reviews of findings from research examining social connectedness as a determinant of mental health. The goal of this review was to evaluate recent longitudinal research probing the effects of social connectedness on depression and anxiety symptoms and diagnoses in the general population. A scoping review was performed of PubMed and PsychInfo databases from January 2015 to December 2021 following PRISMA-ScR guidelines using a defined search strategy. The search yielded 66 unique studies. In research with other than pregnant women, 83% (19 of 23) studies reported that social support benefited symptoms of depression with the remaining 17% (5 of 23) reporting minimal or no evidence that lower levels of social support predict depression at follow-up. In research with pregnant women, 83% (24 of 29 studies) found that low social support increased postpartum depressive symptoms. Among 8 of 9 studies that focused on loneliness, feeling lonely at baseline was related to adverse outcomes at follow-up including higher risks of major depressive disorder, depressive symptom severity, generalized anxiety disorder, and lower levels of physical activity. In 5 of 8 reports, smaller social network size predicted depressive symptoms or disorder at follow-up. In summary, most recent relevant longitudinal studies have demonstrated that social connectedness protects adults in the general population from depressive symptoms and disorders. The results, which were largely consistent across settings, exposure measures, and populations, support efforts to improve clinical detection of high-risk patients, including adults with low social support and elevated loneliness.

The Associations of Breastfeeding and Postnatal Experiences With Postpartum Depression Among Mothers of Hospitalized Infants in Tertiary Hospitals.

BackgroundPostpartum depression has been linked to undesirable outcomes for mother-infant dyads, interfering with childcare and breastfeeding practices. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among mothers during the postpartum period and its association with breastfeeding and postpartum experiences.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study involved mothers of hospitalized infants (n = 219) at two tertiary hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Mothers were screened for postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale with a cut-off of ≥12 for positive screening for depression. Mothers were asked to complete questionnaires on breastfeeding experience, which included breastfeeding self-efficacy and challenges. The questionnaires also collected information on postnatal experiences, including birth outcomes, anxiety and stress levels, and social support. Multiple linear regression was used to ascertain the association of postpartum depression levels with breastfeeding and postnatal experiences.ResultsOverall, 30% of mothers in this study screened positive for depression. Based on multiple linear regression, a higher score of postpartum depression was significantly associated with unpleasant breastfeeding and postnatal experiences reflected by increased scores of anxiety and stress, lower infant birth weight, increased breastfeeding problems, and lower level of social support (p < 0.005).ConclusionsMaternal emotions, birth outcomes, breastfeeding issues, and social support were associated with postpartum depression. Efforts should be made to increase maternal support, and screening for maternal depression during infant hospital stays should be encouraged.

Psychiatric symptoms influence social support in VA Million Veteran Program enrollees screening positive for traumatic brain injury

ObjectiveTo examine measures of social support and associations with neurobehavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms in Veterans who underwent the Veterans Health Administration's Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program. SettingNationally representative sample of U.S. Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program. ParticipantsVeterans (N = 9,837) were classified into the following three diagnostic groups based on results from the TBI Screening and Evaluation Program: (1) negative TBI screen (Screen–; n = 6,523), (2) positive TBI screen but no TBI diagnosis (Screen+/TBI-; n = 1,308), or (3) positive TBI screen and TBI diagnosis (Screen+/TBI+; n = 2,006). DesignEpidemiological cross-sectional study. Main measuresMedical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey Instrument (MOS-SSSI), with subscales representing emotional, tangible, and affectionate support and positive social interaction; Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI); PTSD Checklist (PCL); Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4); and Medical Outcomes Study Cognitive Functioning-Revised Scale (MOS-Cog-R). ResultsANCOVAs showed significant associations between diagnostic group and all aspects of social support. Pairwise comparisons revealed that Veterans in the two Screen+ groups (Screen+/TBI+ and Screen+/TBI-) reported comparable levels of social support, but that both Screen+ groups reported significantly lower levels of social support compared to the Screen– group. Among the Screen+ groups, adjusted linear regression models controlling for age, sex, and race/ethnicity showed significant associations between social support indices and all symptom measures, such that lower levels of social support were associated with more severe neurobehavioral and psychiatric symptoms and worse cognitive functioning. Finally, mediation analyses showed that psychiatric symptoms mediated the association between TBI screen group and social support. ConclusionsOur results are clinically informative and suggest (1) that the relationship between TBI screen status and social support is influenced by psychiatric symptoms and (2) that implementing distress reduction techniques before social support interventions may be most beneficial for Veterans screening positive for TBI.

The effects of oral health and social support on health-related quality of life of migrant older with children in Weifang, China

BackgroundWith the accelerated urbanization and aging population in China, more and more migrant older with children (MOC) moved to new cities. Previous studies mainly explored the acculturation of MOC, yet few focused on the health conditions of this vulnerable group. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral health and social support on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of MOC in Weifang, China.MethodThis study was a cross-sectional study and participants were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling in Weifang, China. The HRQOL was assessed via the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) which included the mental component summary (MCS) and the physical component summary (PCS). The oral health was evaluated by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). The social support was administered using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Descriptive analysis was used to describe participants’ sociodemographic variables, oral health and social support. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the social support, oral health and HRQOL.Results and discussionIt was found that 25.0% of MOC were defined as MCS poor and PCS poor, respectively. Those participants with average and low monthly household income compared to those around them, average and poor oral health, and low levels of social support were more likely to have poor PCS. Those with temporary residence permits, fair and poor oral health, and medium and low levels of social support were more likely to report poor MCS.ConclusionResults indicated that better social support and oral health led to higher HRQOL of MOC. Implications for the government, communities and families of MOC were given to improve their HRQOL.

Bipolar Bozuklukta İçselleştirilmiş Damgalama, Algılanan Sosyal Destek ve Öz Yeterlilik Arasındaki İlişki

Objectives: Many people with mental illness are subject to social and objective exclusion, discrimination, and stigma. One of the mental illnesses most exposed to stigma is bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to ascertain patient perceptions of social support and examine the association between internalized stigma, self-esteem, and clinical course in patients with bipolar disorder. Method: This cross-sectional study enrolled 103 patients with BD. Sociodemographic form, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory (ISMI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to collect data in this study. Results: The mean age of 103 patients with BD was 40,67±10,53. 46 (44.7%) of these participants were female. The ISMI score was higher in patients who were unemployed than in those who were employed (p=0.050). In terms of ISMI scores, those with residual symptoms had significantly higher scores than those without (p=0,001). The ISMI scores of those whose medication was inconsistent were significantly higher than those who were compliant with their medication (p=0.004). ISMI had a positive correlation between the number of depressions (p&amp;lt;0.001; r=0.243); medication non-adherence (p&amp;lt;0.001; r=0.282). ISMI had negative correlation between RSE (r=-0.711; p&amp;lt;0,001); MSPSS (r=-0,384; p&amp;lt;0,001). In multivariate linear regression, internalized stigma was significantly higher among those with low self-esteem, those who reported a lower level of social support from their friends, and those with residual symptoms. Conclusions: The link between stigma, self-esteem, and social support, and their effects on patients with BD, have important implications for psychiatric care. Direct interventions to reduce the negative effects of stigma in BD deserve clinical attention as they may potentially improve outcomes.