Multidimensional Scale Of Perceived Social Support Research Articles

The relationship between depression, anxiety, quality of life levels, and the chronic kidney disease stage in the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Decreased quality of life, anxiety, depression, and other negative psychosocial factors in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may lead to the patient's attitudes that reduce treatment effectiveness. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the depression, anxiety, perceived social support, genetic psychosocial risk and quality of life levels, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage in ADPKD and to investigate the relationship between these variables/parameters and the dietary compliance that is an essential factor in the course of the disease. 100 ADPKD patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L) health-related quality of life ındex, EuroQol-5D-3L visual analog scale (EQ-5D-3L VAS), multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9, and genetic psychosocial risk ınstrument (GPRI) were applied to the patients. There is a relationship with negative regression coefficient between the CKD stage and the total scores of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-3L VAS scales (p < 0.000 and β = - 5.355, p < 0.000, and β = - 8.394, respectively). There is a relationship with positive regression coefficient between the CKD stage and MSPSS total score and level (p < 0.000 and β = 0.364, p < 0.000 and β = 0.331, respectively). There is no relationship between the CKD stage and GPRI total score (p = 0.800). In addition, there is a relationship with positive regression coefficient between the dietary compliance and EQ-5D and EQ-5D VAS total scores (p = 0.006 and β = 2.687, p = 0.004 and β = 3.148, respectively). There is a relationship with negative regression coefficient between the dietary adherence and PHQ-9 total score and CKD stage (p = 0.003, p = 0.006, and β = - 0.692, respectively). As the CKD stage increases in the ADPKD patients, the quality of life decreases, whereas the level of anxiety and depression increases. It has been seen that the ADPKD patients with more depressive complaints have less dietary compliance. In this particular patient group, the early detection and treatment of psychosocial difficulties and the work to improve the quality of life that affect the course of the ADPKD may be as important as the medical treatment. To determine the needs of ADPKD patients with multiple physical and psychosocial difficulties and to perform appropriate interventions, we think that there is a necessity for a specific scale that evaluates these effective components together in the ADPKD process.

Risk of Disordered Eating Among a Sample of Indian Adolescents: The Role of Online Activity, Social Anxiety and Social Support

Background: Although the concept of a slim body was first introduced in Western societies, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating became a globalized issue, and appeared in India and other Asian cultures as well. However, we know much less about the background variables in this region. Aim: To further examine potential risk and protective factors for disordered eating, we aimed to detect the role of online activity (smartphone addiction, time spent online), social anxiety and social support as well as Body Mass Index (BMI), academic performance, and sociodemographics in elevating the risk of disordered eating among a sample of Indian adolescents. Methods: This study employed 112 high school students (aged between 14–18 years; mean age = 16.01 years; SD = 1.08; 47.3% females) from a private high school located in Vadodara, India. Besides sociodemographics, weight and height (Body Mass Index, BMI), academic performance, and average screen time on weekdays/weekends) were asked. We used four different instruments for exploring the psychological variables: Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS-SV), The Kutcher Generalized Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (K-GSADS-A), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: Using a cut-off score of 20 points, 9.8% of the students were evaluated as being at risk for disordered eating. Besides time spent online on weekdays, smartphone addiction, social anxiety and avoidance, and higher BMI scores elevated the risk of disordered eating in bivariate logistic regressions, while social support served as a protection. In the final multivariate model, only two factors remained significant contributors: being online on weekdays (risk) and being online on weekends (protection). Conclusion: These findings highlight the different roles of Internet use in the risk of disordered eating (weekdays: risky, weekend: protective) among this sample of Indian adolescents which can be explained by a possible shift in students’ social connections (from peers to family) during the different period of the week.

Social Support and Mental Health among Obese and Non-obese

Context: Due to modernization, overeating becomes as trending topic due to its disturbance on our energy balance system and body weight. Behavioural issues such as overeating and sedentary lifestyle have impact on health through an increase in body mass index due to excessive deposition of body fat. Thus, it impacts on our body weight through positive energy balance in which there is an increase energy intake and decrease energy expenditure. On the other hand, it can be controlled through appropriate social support and optimum mental health. Aims: The objective of this study was to reveal predictor role of social support on mental health among obese and non-obese using regression analysis, to know mean difference in social support and mental health using Mann-Whitney test, and to identify the level of social support and mental health among obese and non-obese individuals. Methods and Material: The study design was non-experimental, quantitative study with descriptive in nature. The participants were 250 obese and 250 non-obese people and were collected from in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Both obese and non-obese participants were asked them to fill questionnaires with psychological tools namely the mental health inventory-38 (MHI-38) and multidimensional perceived social support scale (MDPSS). Results: The data distribution were in non-normal pattern and the statistical test used were non-parametric test. The results stated that the predictor variable social support has shown significant positive impact on mental health. The effect of social support over mental health was high among non-obese (R = .406, R2 = .168, adjusted R2=.164, co-efficient B = .667 and p = .000) than obese (R = .522, R2 = .272, adjusted R2 = .270, co-efficient B = .729 and p = .000). Social support and mental health have significant mean BMI difference among obese and non-obese in which obese people have higher social support and low mental health than non-obese people.

Coping strategies and their associated factors among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in Kuantan, Malaysia.

BackgroundIt is essential for caregivers of schizophrenia patients to have effective coping mechanisms to deal with their own mental health. However, research on the factors that contribute to the coping mechanisms of caregivers is limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of coping strategies and their correlations to socio-demographic features, psychological distress, and social support among the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.MethodThrough the convenience sampling method, 331 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia participated in this cross-sectional study. The respondents comprised caregivers who had attended an outpatient psychiatric clinic, providing the socio-demographic data. The study involves three instruments: the Kessler's Psychological Distress (K10); the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS); and the Brief-COPE.FindingsUsing multivariable analysis, psychological distress was identified as a substantial independent predictor of emotion-focused, problem-focused, and avoidance coping strategies. Good social support was linked to the usage of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies.ConclusionIt has been demonstrated that good social support and psychological distress are associated with coping strategies. More prospective and qualitative research is required to determine how coping strategies will be able to assist Malaysian caregivers to develop a more holistic approach to treating patients with schizophrenia.

Alexithymia May Be Associated With Depression in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients.

BackgroundDepression, anxiety, or both are common in women with early-stage breast cancer (BC). A relationship is known between low perceived social support (PSS) and depression. We aimed to investigate the relationships between alexithymia, PSS, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score in patients diagnosed with early-stage BC.Materials and methodsA demographic and medical information form, BDI, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Multidimensional Scale of PSS (MSPSS) were given to 200 early-stage BC patients to respond. Two subgroups were created as group A (BDI score < 17) and group B (BDI score ≥ 17) and compared in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, TAS-20, and MSPSS scores.ResultsTwenty-six (18.1%), 48 (33.3%), and 26 (18.1%) patients were with high BDI scores, in low PSS status, and alexithymic, respectively. The median ages of the participants in group A and group B were 53.4 (interquartile range (IQR): 46-60.7) and 46 (IQR: 41.5-59) years, respectively (p = 0.083). The rates of single participants (26.9% versus 11%, p = 0.055), alexithymic participants (42.3% versus 12.7%, p = 0.001), low PSS levels (57.7% versus 28%, p = 0.018), psychiatric treatment history (46.2% versus 22%, p = 0.025), and patients with low income (57.7% versus 22.9%, p = 0.001) were higher in group B than in group A. In the multivariate regression model that contains the parameters mentioned above, psychiatric treatment history (odds ratio (OR): 2.758, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.034-7.356, p = 0.043), low-income status (OR: 3.503, 95% CI: 1.336-9.182, p = 0.011), and alexithymia (OR: 3.482, 95% CI: 1.229-9.867, p = 0.019) were independent predictive factors for a high BDI.ConclusionAlexithymia and low PSS are significantly common in patients with prominent depressive symptoms in early-stage BC patients. Alexithymia may be associated with depression and may also have a role in depression pathogenesis in early-stage BC patients. New studies are needed to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between alexithymia and depression.

Resilience mediates the influence of hope, optimism, social support, and stress on anxiety severity among Chinese patients with cervical spondylosis.

ObjectiveCervical spondylosis (CS) is a potential stressor threatening mental health among affected individuals. This study was to analyze resilience level and associated factors among cervical spondylosis (CS) patients, and to explore the underlying mechanism of anxiety based on resilience-focused psychological variables.MethodsResilience Scale-14 (RS-14), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) were used in this cross-sectional investigation among 250 CS patients.ResultsThe score of resilience was 65.58 ± 16.14. Hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that hope, optimism, perceived social support, perceived stress, and whether having comorbid chronic diseases were the independent associates of resilience among CS patients, which explained 63.9% of the total variance. The structural equation model showed that hope, optimism, perceived social support and perceived stress affected anxiety via resilience, and hope and optimism also had direct effects on anxiety.ConclusionChinese patients with CS had moderate level of mental resilience, which was independently related to hope, optimism, perceived social support, perceived stress, and whether having comorbid chronic diseases. Resilience played a mediating role between various psychological variables and anxiety. Improving the level of resilience, hope, optimism and perceived social support and reducing the level of perceived stress are important strategies to reduce anxiety level. Relevant healthcare professionals should put more focus on the mental problems of Chinese CS patients and help maintain good psychological status by improving their resilience and associated psychological variables thereof.

The relationship of probable clinical anxiety with attitude-behaviour, coping styles and social support in healthy pregnant women during the late period COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of state and trait probable clinical anxiety and their relationship with socio-demographic factors, attitude-behaviour, coping styles and social support level in high-risk pregnant women in the late period of COVID-19 pandemic. The pregnant women followed up in the gynaecological outpatient clinic were evaluated during their admissions. About 191 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Data were collected using the socio-demographic and pregnancy attitude-behaviour data form, STAI (Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), the Coping Styles Scale Brief Form (Brief-COPE) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Our study found that pregnant women had high anxiety levels (STAI-S:37.90 ± 8.88; STAI-T:42.46 ± 7.80) and probable clinical anxiety prevalences (STAI-S:81(42.4%); STAI-T:123(64.4%)) in the late period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that COVID-19 determined the preference of the birth method and the level of knowledge about COVID-19 predicted state probable clinical anxiety. Educational status, concern for COVID-19 transmission to the baby during pregnancy/birth, behavioural disengagement, focussing on and venting emotions predicted trait probable clinical anxiety. Our results have emphasised the factors that should be taken into account and coping styles that may be functional to protect the mental well-being of healthy pregnants. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to increase the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression of the general population and healthcare workers. There is limited studies about pregnant women. What do the results of this study add? According to our study, we can say that approximately half of the pregnant women in a pandemic need psychiatric evaluation due to probable clinical anxiety. The relationship between anxiety in the pandemic process and birth preference has been shown and coping styles in healthy pregnant women have been investigated for the first time, effective and ineffective coping styles have been shown. In addition, it has been found that the social support of pregnant women is effective in managing the pandemic process. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? According to our current findings, a multidisciplinary approach in which pregnant women are screened with self-report psychiatry tests and appropriate pregnant women are consulted to psychiatry during pandemic processes will make it easier for obstetricians to manage the patient. Especially strengthening effective coping styles and social support will have a great effect in mental rehabilitation. In this respect, further studies on pregnant women are needed.

Associations between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 lockdown in young and middle-aged Israelis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUNDThis study examined the associations between social support and anxiety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an Israeli sample.AIMTo examine the associations between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 in an Israeli sample.METHODSData for this cross-sectional study were retrieved from an online survey. Linear regression, logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were conducted to test for associations between social support and anxiety.RESULTSA total of 655 individuals took part in the present study. In the univariate linear regression model, there is a negative correlation between the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score (GAD-7) and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) score. For MSPSS score, the multivariable adjusted regression coefficient and 95% confidence interval (CI) of GAD-7 score were -0.779 (-1.063 to -0.496). In the univariate logistic regression model, there was a negative correlation between anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 9) and MSPSS score, and there was still a negative correlation in multivariate logical regression analysis. The odds ratios and 95%CI were 0.709 (0.563-0.894).CONCLUSIONSocial support was inversely correlated with anxiety during COVID-19 in an Israeli sample.

Perceived stigma among Tunisian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background and objectivesStigma was a major issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. It posed a serious threat to the lives of healthcare workers (HCWs) who were expected to experience higher levels of stigma and increased psychological distress. This is the first survey to investigate forms and correlates of perceived stigma in Tunisian HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between October 8th and November 10th 2020, among 250 Tunisian HCWs. Data were collected using an online questionnaire using the Google Forms® platform. We used a self-reported instrument measuring COVID-19-related stigma, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure the perceived adequacy of social support from three sources: family, friends, and significant other. ResultsThe mean stigma score was 18.6±8. Participants sometimes to often experienced stigma in their relationships with friends (22%), neighbors (27.2%), parents (22,4%), and in social activities (30.8%). This stigma was perceived mainly through avoidance (68.4%), and rarely through verbal (6%) or physical aggression (1.2%). The mean MSPSS total score was 5.26±1.24. In multivariate analysis, depression history (P<0.001), long working experience (P<0.001), having presented ageusia/anosmia (P=0.007) and lower total social support scale (P<0.001) were significantly associated with higher perceived stigma score. ConclusionOur findings showed that HCWs perceived stigma in professional, societal and familial domains. Social support from family, friends and others seemed to protect against perceived stigma. Proper health education targeting the public appears to be an effective method to prevent social harassment of both HCWs and COVID-19 survivors.

Possible Gender Differences in the Level of Perceived Social Support in Couples Who Are Experiencing Issues With Infertility.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine whether there are gender differences in the level of perceived social support in couples experiencing issues with fertility.MethodsA total of 938 participants aged 18-47 years, with self-reported issues of infertility, were evaluated using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) which comprises three subscales which correspond with distinct sources of social support: significant other (SO), family, and friends. Differences between sexes for total score and for all subscale scores were subsequently analyzed using SPSS Statistics (IBM Corp, Armonk, USA).ResultsMean total scores and scores on all subscales (SO, family, friend) were higher in women (5.13 ± 1.10, 5.90 ± 1.20, 4.53 ± 1.53, 4.97 ± 1.40, respectively) compared with men (4.43 ± 1.58, 5.04 ± 1.90, 4.06 ± 1.76, 4.20 ± 1.81, respectively), a statistically significant difference of 0.70 (95% CI, -1.11 to -0.28), t(63.018) = -3.360, p = .001), 0.86 (95% CI, -1.35 to -0.36), t(62.277) = -3.452, p = .001, 0.47 (95% CI, -0.94 to -0.01), t(65.219) = -2.039, p = 0.046, 0.76 (95% CI, -1.24 to -0.29), t(63.018) = -3.360, p = 0.002), respectively. Males with male-factor infertility had a statistically significantly lower mean total score than males with female-factor infertility, -2.22 (95% CI, -3.71 to -0.74), p= 0.005. For males and females with male-factor infertility, mean “total” score was 2.73 (95% CI, 1.43 to 4.03) points lower for males than females, F(1,22) = 18.89, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.462.ConclusionPerceived social support among individuals experiencing issues with fertility was higher in females than in males across all subscales (SO, family, friends) with the biggest difference seen in SO score. Total scores differed with respect to infertility diagnosis in males but not in females, and amongst males and females with a male-factor infertility diagnosis, total scores were statistically significantly lower in males compared with females. Given the implications of high levels of perceived social support on improved overall well-being, our findings underscore the importance of implementing interventions that are focused on improving perceptions of social support in males experiencing issues with infertility, with specific consideration given to the unique experiences/ challenges and factors that may impact their experience.

General Health, Fatigue and Social Support among Health Professionals: The Contribution of Sociodemographic and Occupational Variables

Health professionals are the base of the healthcare systems in all societies. Their daily contact with the patient in a context of demanding and difficult working conditions affect their general health. This research was carried out to describe the levels of general health among health professionals and their perceived levels of fatigue and social support. Additionally, the purpose of this study was to examine the above three variables in relation to demographic (education, gender) and employment factors (working hours, department). The research was conducted in 165 health professionals working in hospitals in the region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace and in the urban centers of Athens and Thessaloniki. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) as well as the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to measure the research variables. The processing and statistical analysis of the data was done using IBM SPSS. The majority of health professionals presented a high score in GHQ-28 subscales indicating low general health (avg 8.59≥5). One hundred thirty nine out of 165 health professionals (84%) were tired and 15 out of 165 (9%) were too tired. The perceived social support was at high levels (avg 5.57). Health professionals exhibit high fatigue and low levels of general health and quality of life. Instead, they receive high social support. Existence of circular hours and work in heavy part worsens the levels of fatigue and quality of life. Measures are needed to increase the number of health professionals and organizational and structural measures to improve their working conditions and strengthen their social work.

Effectiveness of a mobile-based educational intervention on self-care activities and glycemic control among the elderly with type 2 diabetes in southwest of Iran in 2020

BackgroundThe elderly constitute a large fraction of patients with type 2 diabetes worldwide. It has been well documented that the elderly’s adherence to disease control is not adequate. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mobile-based educational intervention on self-care behaviors and glycemic control among elderly with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe present study was conducted on 118 older people (59 in the intervention group and 59 in the control group) with type 2 diabetes who referred to Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran in 2020. Participants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected at baseline and after a 3-month follow-up. At baseline, the participants completed a valid and reliable multi-section questionnaire including items on attitude, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), self-care constructs, and HBA1C. After analyzing the pre-test data, we designed a training program which was offered to the intervention group online via mobile phone in three online sessions. The control group, however, received no intervention except diabetes routine care. Data were analyzed using SPSS-15 at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsBefore the intervention, the mean scores of CSES, attitudes towards self-care, MSPSS, and self-care were not statistically significant between study groups (P > 0.05), but after intervention, the study found significant differences between the groups in terms of CSES, attitude, MSPSS, and self-care (P = 0.001). Furthermore, after implementation of the intervention, the mean value of HbA1C in the intervention group was significantly less than that of the control group (7.00 vs. 7.32%) (P = 0.001).ConclusionThe present results indicated that implementing an educational intervention via mobile phone can improve self-care practice and reduce HbA1C in the elderly with type 2 diabetes. The study also showed a moderate to large effect on the outcome variables. However, further studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended to confirm the results.

The Association of Conflict-Related Trauma with Markers of Mental Health Among Syrian Refugee Women: The Role of Social Support and Post-Traumatic Growth.

BackgroundSyrian refugee women not only suffered the refuging journey but also faced the burden of being the heads of their households in a new community. We aimed to investigate the mental health status, traumatic history, social support, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) of Syrian refugee women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered survey between August and November 2019. Syrian refugee women who head their households and live outside camps were eligible. The survey included items investigating socio-demographic characteristics and conflict-related physical trauma history. The Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS-15) scale was used to screen for emotional distress symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a score range of 0−4 and higher scores indicating emotional distress. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was utilized to assess the perceived support from family, friends, and significant others (score range 1−7), with scores of 3−5 and 5.1−7.0 representing moderate and high support, respectively. The PTG Inventory (PTGI) scale investigated the positive transformation following trauma; the score range was 0−5, and the cutoff point of ≥3 defined moderate-to-high growth levels.ResultsOut of 140 invited refugee women, 95 were included, with a response rate of 67.9%. Their mean (SD) age was 41.30 (11.75) years, 50.5% were widowed, and 17.9% reported their husbands as missing persons. High levels of conflict-related traumatic exposure were found, including threats of personal death (94.7%), physical injury (92.6%), or both (92.6%); and a history of family member death (92.6%), missing (71.6%), or injury (53.7%). The mean (SD) RHS-15 score was above average (2.08 (0.46)), and most women (90.5%) were at high risk for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. The mean (SD) MSPSS score was 5.08 (0.71), representing moderate social support, with friends’ support being the highest (5.23 (0.85)). The mean (SD) PTGI score was 2.44 (0.48), indicating low growth, with only 12.6% of women experiencing moderate-to-high growth levels. Spiritual change and personal strength had the highest sub-scores, with moderate-to-high growth levels experienced by 97.9% and 84.2%, respectively. Most women were more optimistic and religious, had feelings of self-reliance and better difficulties adapting, and were stronger than they thought. Statistically significant correlations of MSPSS and its subscales with RHS-15 and PTGI were detected.ConclusionSignificant but unspoken mental health problems were highly prevalent among Syrian refugee women and an imminent need for psychological support to overcome traumatic exposure. The role of social support seems to be prominent and needs further investigation.

Effectiveness of web-based intervention for life-change adaptation in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injury: A cluster-randomized controlled trial.

To test the effectiveness of the web-based intervention "Koji-family.net 3-day program" (KF3 PGM) for life-change adaptation in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). A cluster-randomized trial. All 82 institutions for families of individuals with ABI in Japan. Participants were 240 families at 16 different institutions for families of individuals with ABI. Inclusion criteria for participants were (1) families caring for an individual with ABI, (2) family members aged 20 years and over, and (3) the individual with ABI developed ABI when aged more than 16 years and less than 65 years. Clusters were randomly assigned to the intervention (8 clusters, n = 120) or the control (8 clusters, n = 120) group. For the intervention group, the KF3 PGM was assigned, in addition to routine family group activities to enhance the life-change adaptation. The control group followed their daily routine and received usual services. The primary outcome was the life-change adaptation scale (LCAS); secondary outcomes were the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) and the positive appraisal of care (PAC) scale at the baseline, after 3 days (short-term follow-up), and after 1 month (long-term follow-up). A mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) was applied. A total of 91 participants were enrolled. The mean age (SE) of the participants was 64.0 (9.2) years; 87.8% of them were female. The intervention group showed better improvement in the LCAS than the control group in the whole study period (F = 6.5, p = 0.002). The mean observed change in LCAS from baseline was +8.0 (SE = 2.0) at 3 days and +11.6 (SE = 2.0) at 1 month in the intervention group (F = 18.7, p < 0.001). No significant differences in MSPSS and PAC were observed among the intervention and control groups in the whole study. The KF3 PGM can be an effective method of enhancing the adaptation to daily life in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with ABI. The results show that a potential web-based intervention in institutions for families of individuals with ABI plays a substantial, longer-term role in their support in Japan. Future studies could address the same research questions in different settings and cultures for family caregivers for even longer time periods.

Perceived social support in pregnant women with gestational diabetes attending hospitals in western Iran compared to healthy controls and its relationship with perceived anxiety.

Due to the importance of social support in pregnant women, especially those with gestational diabetes that cause anxiety and stress in them and requires effective and enough attention, this study aims to assess perceived social support of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in western Iran compared to healthy controls and its relationship with their perceived anxiety. This is a descriptive/analytical study with a cross-sectional design conducted on 180 pregnant women with gestational diabetes (n = 89) and without gestational diabetes (n = 91) referred to the obstetrics and gynecology clinics of two hospitals (Asalian and Shahid Rahimi) in Khorramabad, western Iran. Data collection tools were a demographic checklist, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Collected data were analyzed in SPSS v.20 software using chi square test, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation test. The difference between the two groups was significant in terms of perceived support from family (p = 0.001), perceived support from friends (p = 0.006), and anxiety (p = 0.047). Pearson correlation test results showed a significant negative relationship between the scores of MSPSS and BAI in patients (r= -0.329, p = 0.001) and controls (r=-0.204, p = 0.006). There was a significant difference in the MSPSS score among diabetic women in terms of having fetal macrosomia (p = 0.005), occupation (p = 0.003), education (p = 0.001), and frequency of pregnancy (p = 0.010). The perceived social support level is higher in diabetic pregnant women compared to healthy peers in western Iran. Improvement of social support from family and friends can reduce the anxiety of pregnant women with/without diabetes.

Validation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) Among LGBTQ+ People of Color

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a preexisting measure of social support. The purpose of this study was to provide validity evidence for scores from the MSPSS obtained from a sample of 267 LGBTQ+ POC. The CFA results and fit indices supported the original three-factor solution.

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.

Relationship of Ego Resilience, Perceived Social Support and Depression with Job Satisfaction of Working Women

This study was aimed to explore the relationship of ego resilience, perceived social support and depression with job satisfaction of women working in different job sector (i.e. education, medicine, entrepreneur and others). After comprehensive literature review, it was hypothesized that there will be a positive relationship of ego resilience and perceived social support with job satisfaction, whereas there will be negative relationship of depression on job satisfaction. A sample of 135 working women was taken through purposive sampling technique. The age range of participants was between 25-50 years (Mean = 2.9, SD= 1.3). The measures, used in the study are: demographic information form, Ego Resilience Scale (ER89), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R-20), Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS (22.0). Correlation was conducted to find out the results. The study proved that ego resilience and perceived social support have a positive relationship with job satisfaction, whereas depression has a negative relationship with job satisfaction. Avenues for future research are open for different work settings including factors like ego resilience, perceived social support and depression among working women.

Does Friend Support Matter? The Association between Gender Role Attitudes and School Bullying among Male Adolescents in China.

This study investigated the association between gender role attitudes, perceived friend support, and school bullying among male adolescents from 11 schools in two cities in China. A total of 3172 Chinese adolescents between 12 and 20 years of age (48.80% girls and 51.20% boys) completed questionnaires that included measures of bullying, gender role attitudes, and perceived social support. In terms of outcome measures, the Chinese version of the Illinois Bully Scale (IBS), Attitudes toward Women Scale for Adolescents (AWSA), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to assess bullying perpetration, gender role attitudes, and perceived friend support, respectively. Based on masculinity theories and the stress-buffering theory, the study found that male adolescents held more traditional gender role attitudes (t = 30.78, p < 0.001) and reported higher prevalence of bullying behaviors (36.02%) than girls (31.20%). In addition, boys’ bullying behaviors were significantly predicted by gender role attitudes through perceived friend support. That is, male youth with more conservative gender role attitudes reported less perceived friend support (adjusted OR = 1.055; SE = 0.013), which elevated their risks of bullying perpetration (adjusted OR = 2.082; SE = 0.302). These findings have critical implications for bullying intervention and prevention through gender equity education.

The prevalence of depression, anxiety and associated factors among adults with living human immunodeficiency virus in University Malaya Medical Centre.

This study estimates prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and determines its associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2020 and January 2021, in the Infectious Disease clinic and ward. One hundred ninety-one patients were recruited via convenience sampling. Patients' sociodemographic were obtained, followed by Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and M.I.N.I. international neuropsychiatric interview (M.I.N.I.) The cut off DASS-21 point for depression is ≥5, for anxiety, ≥ 4. Mann-Whitney U and Chi square test were used to analyse the association between variables, and logistic regression to find predictability. Of the 191 participants, 89.5% outpatient, mean age 40years (SD 0.742), 91.1% male, 65.4% single, 71.2% working, 46.1% Malaysian Chinese, 59.8% non- heterosexual, mean 6years of being HIV positive; mean CD4 count 449/μL; mean viral load 116,690 (median = 20). 85.9% were taking antiretroviral therapy. The prevalence of depression was 35.1% (n = 67); anxiety was 42.9% (n = 82). Regression analysis revealed anxiety and stress increased odds of depression by 3.8 times (p = .001) and 12 times (p < .001) respectively. Those 40years old and younger had 2.3 times odds of anxiety (p = .048). Increased social support from friends increased odds of anxiety by 1.7 times (p = .018). Depression and stress increased odds of anxiety by 4.4 times (p = .001) and 3.7 times (p = .008) respectively. Depression and anxiety among people with HIV is often under-recognised. Early identification and treatment of the mental illness is warranted. Screening with DASS-21 is useful to detect depression in patients with HIV.