Multidimensional Scale Of Perceived Social Support Scores Research Articles

Changes in substance use and engagement in gaming/gambling in persons with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes: a community study in two points.

External stressors, such as COVID-19 pandemic and earthquake, can cause an increase in substance use and addictive behavior in persons with severe mental illnesses (SMI). We analyzed the changes and predictors of substance use and addictive behavior in SMI during these double disasters in Croatia. Questionnaires exploring the presence of substance or behavior addiction disorder, mental ill health [Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised], coping mechanisms, and perceived social support [Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)] were administered among 90 participants with SMI included in the RECOVER-E study in May/June 2020 (first COVID-19 wave, Zagreb earthquake) and in December 2020/January 2021 (second COVID-19 wave, Petrinja earthquake). In both time points, a major increase was observed in tobacco smoking (25.0%; 28.6%, respectively) predicted by discontinuation of antidepressants and higher DASS-21 score. Increased sedative use was observed (24.4%; 23.8%, respectively) predicted by higher PSS and ISI scores, lower MSPSS scores, antipsychotic discontinuation and not receiving community mental health team (CMHT) service. In persons with SMI during a double disaster special attention needs to be given to reducing mental-ill health and stress, providing social support and continuity of psychiatric care, through medications and CMHTs.

A - 35 The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Everyday Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Longitudinal Study.

Explore the relationship between perceived social support and changes in informant-rated cognitive ability in people with mild cognitive impairment (pwMCI) enrolled in a lifestyle intervention program. Based on prior literature, we hypothesized lower levels of social support would be associated with greater declines in executive functioning (EF) over time. Forty-nine pwMCI who enrolled in a 12-month comprehensive lifestyle program completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and their informants completed the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog) pre- and post-program. Change scores were calculated for the ECog Total Score and EF subscale. MCI participants were classified into three groups based on ECog change: Declined (n = 17), Stable (n = 17), and Improved (n = 15). Pearson correlations were conducted between MSPSS, ECog, and EF change scores within each group. There was no significant difference in baseline ECog ratings between groups, F(2,46) = 0.36, p = 0.70 or baseline MSPSS F(2,46) = 1.23, p = 0.30. For the Declined group, a trend emerged suggesting higher MSPSS was associated with declines in EF (r = 0.27, p = 0.07). The relationship between MSPSS and ECog total scores was not significant (p = 0.16). No trends or associations were observed in the Stable or Improved groups. Findings were counter to initial hypotheses. Although further work is needed, this effect may relate to Reciprocity Theory which posits those who require more social support experience emotional distress due to feelings of unwanted dependence and a lack of perceived ability to reciprocate support. This experience may adversely affect EF through an increase in negative emotions and stress. Further exploration of moderators of this relationship is warranted.

Impact of Undergoing Thoracolumbar Surgery on Patient Psychosocial Profiles.

Prospective cohort study. Investigate the impact of thoracolumbar surgery on patients' psychosocial profiles. A prospective cohort study of thoracolumbar surgery patients (N = 177). Measures of interest collected at baseline and 24-months after surgery were: modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), Numerical Rating Scores for Back Pain (NRS-B), Leg Pain (NRS-L), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire-8 (CPAQ-8), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Mental Component Summary (MCS) and patient expectations for surgery impacts on mental well-being. Cohorts were separated based on attaining meaningful change defined as either 30% improvement or minimal scores in NRS-B, NRS-L and mODI. Mixed measures ANOVAs were run (α = .05). Patients who showed meaningful change had significant improvements in PCS, TSK and CPAQ-8 scores but not in MSPSS scores. Patients had improvement in MCS scores over 24-months follow-up, but this change was not significantly different based on attainment of meaningful change. Overall, 75.9% of patients reported their mental well-being expectations were met. Patients who did not achieve meaningful change showed no change on any psychosocial measures with only 55.9% reporting their mental well-being expectations met. Thoracolumbar surgery results in significant improvement of psychosocial variables for patients who experienced meaningful change for pain and disability. Worsening of psychosocial health was not evident in patients who did not attain meaningful change.

Social Support and Health Related Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Social support has been linked with positive treatment outcomes for many chronic conditions including breast cancer, and it meaningfully reduces the stress originating from cancer diagnosis as well as improves emotional wellbeing. This study aims to assess the level of social support and HRQOL and its relationship among breast cancer patients over a period of 8 months in the two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt.
 This was a descriptive longitudinal study that was conducted over a period of 8 months among 254 female patients with breast cancer in the two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. They were assessed at the time of diagnosis, 4 months and 8 months after using Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Frequency tables were used to demonstrate the outcome. Means and standard deviation for the continuous variables were calculated. In comparing differences in mean between evaluation times, Friedman ANOVA was used, Correlation co-efficient were used to determine correlation between HRQoL and Social support scores. Results considered statistically significant at P value ˂ .05.
 The HRQoL and MSPSS scores were relatively high among the respondents. The respondents received high support through-out the evaluation time (62.5%). The high support was noticed more from family and the lowest social support was from friends, this was statistically significant, P =.007. HRQoL was high through-out the evaluation time and it was statistically significant. Correlation between the HRQoL and MSPSS was positive (Pearson correlation co-efficient = ˂0.29) and statistically significant P <.05. 
 Breast cancer women in Port Harcourt Nigeria had relatively good HRQoL and perceived social support was an important factor for the good HRQoL. It is important to pay close attention on events that enhance and maintain the social support system for breast cancer patients.

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.

The Association of Menopausal Symptoms and Social Support Among Saudi Women at Primary Health Care Centers in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundMenopause is a challenging period for all women. The severity of menopausal symptoms hurts their quality of life and daily activity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the severity of menopausal symptoms are associated with social support and lifestyle factors among Saudi women to help policymakers develop the appropriate intervention health program.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 361 middle-aged Saudi women was conducted through interviews using a valid and reliable questionnaire. The menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to determine the severity of menopausal symptoms and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) was used to assess perceived social support among females. Linear regression was conducted to assess the association between MRS scores and MSPSS scores after adjustment of covariates.ResultsThe mean total menopause rating scale was 13.7 ± 8.3. Physical and mental exhaustion (80.3%), joint and muscular discomfort (79.2%), and irritability (75.9%) were the most prevalent menopausal symptoms for all women. The mean MSPSS was calculated as 4.3 ±1.8. Perceived social support and lifestyle factors were significant predictors of menopausal symptoms.ConclusionsPostmenopausal Saudi women complain of a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. The current study shows that social support, quitting smoking, losing weight, and increasing physical exercise can help to alleviate or reduce many of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. This evidence will help policymakers design health intervention for this age group.

The effects of compulsory isolation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: The example of prison workers.

ObjectiveThe aim of this research was to identify depression, anxiety, and perceived social support levels among prison workers and to determine the relationship between anxiety and depression and perceived social support.MethodsThe descriptive, cross‐sectional research was conducted between 15 November 2020, and 10 February 2021. The study sample consisted of 603 prison workers contacted using the convenience sampling method, consenting to take part in the research, and working under compulsory Covid‐19 isolation measures. A questionnaire produced in an electronic environment consisting of a personal information form, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questions was employed.ResultsThe mean GAD, PHQ and MSPSS scores of the prison workers working under compulsory isolation conditions were 18.38 ± 5.78, 14.30 ± 6.99, and 42.76 ± 20.27, respectively. Of the prison workers in this study, 71.5% exhibited severe depression symptoms and 21.4% moderate depression, while 25.5% exhibited severe anxiety symptoms and 23.4% moderate anxiety symptoms. MSPSS and its subdomains exhibited negative correlation with depression, and the MSPSS friends subdomain was negatively correlated with anxiety.ConclusionAnxiety and depression scores were at high levels in prison workers exposed to compulsory isolation during the Covid‐19 pandemic.

INTERNALIZED STIGMA, PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND LIFE QUALITY IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO A FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY UNIT

Objective: This study aimed to examine internalized stigma, perceived social support, and the quality of life and its associations among patients admitted to a forensic psychiatry unit. Material and Method: A total of 97 patients treated at a High Security Forensic Psychiatry Unit were included. A Sociodemographic Data Form, the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form (WHOQOL) were administered to all patients. Results: The mean ISMI, MSPSS, and WHOQL scores were 74.3±8.4, 38.3±8.4, and 75.9±10.5, respectively. A negative correlation between the total MSPSS and total ISMI scores as well as between total the ISMI and total WHOQOL scores was found; on the other hand, a positive and significant association was determined between the total MSPSS and total WHOQOL scores (p&lt;0.001, r=-0.367; p&lt;0.001, r=-0.550; p&lt;0.001, and r=0.496, respectively). The MSPSS total and sub-scale scores, age, alienation, stereotype endorsement, and perceived discrimination predicted the total WHOQOL score (R2 =0.613; Model F=12.242; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Forensic psychiatry patients experience internalized stigma and reduced social support. Increasing levels of internalized stigma were associated with progressively lower levels of perceived social support and life quality. Predictors of the quality of life include the perceived social support, stereotype endorsement, discrimination, and alienation. This study sheds&nbsp;some light on factors affecting the quality of life in this relatively under examined group of forensic psychiatry patients.

The impact of COVID-19 on social support perception and stress of prehospital care providers

BackgroundThis study seeks to explore the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the social support perception and acute stress disorder of prehospital care providers (PCPs) in the province of Denizli. MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between December 25, 2020 and January 25, 2021. Out of 510 ambulatory care staff constituting the study population, there were 287 PCPs (%56.2), including 13 physicians, 89 paramedics, 134 emergency medical technicians, and 51 individuals from other occupational groups (nurse, driver, cleaning staff, medical secretary) based at emergency health services. The data collection tools employed in the study include an introductory information form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and National Stressful Events Survey Acute Stress Disorder Short Scale (NSESSS), which was organized as an online questionnaire. ResultsWe analyzed the data from 287 PCPs that completed the form and scales. The mean score of the NSESSS was calculated as 1.53 ± 0.79. The PCPs who experienced health problems (1.85 ± 0.69), suffered from mental problems and received psychotherapy and medication (2.57 ± 0.57), encountered COVID-19 patients (1.58 ± 0.8), provided care for COVID-19 patients (1.59 ± 0.79), and took polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests (1.68 ± 0.78) had higher acute stress symptom levels. The total mean score of MSPSS was calculated as 66.28 ± 17.22. Total MSPSS scores of the participants varied significantly in terms of age, marital status, taking a COVID-19 test, suffering from mental problems, status of encountering a COVID-19 patient, and workplace satisfaction (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe findings are suggestive of high perceptions of multidimensional social support and low acute stress symptom levels of the PCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Lack of perceived social support contributes to depression and anxiety in patients with glaucoma

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and associated factors for depression and anxiety among glaucoma patients in a tertiary referral centre. Their relationship with perceived social support is also explored.Study design: Cross-sectional study involving 176 glaucoma patients.Methods: Patients with known psychiatric illness, physical limitations, and other visually debilitating ocular conditions were excluded. Measurement tools included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Ocular examination parameters such as LogMAR visual acuity, mean deviation (MD) on standard automated perimetry, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded along with sociodemographic and clinical history. Multivariate linear regression analysis was carried out to identify predictive factors for depression and anxiety.Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among glaucoma patients was 6.8% and 9.1% respectively. MSPSS scores were significantly lower in patients with depression (p = 0.019) and anxiety (p = 0.016). Patients with depression and anxiety had significantly worse visual acuity and MD values. After adjustment with multiple regression analysis, depression or anxiety were still significantly associated with MD values (depression b = -0.13, p &lt; 0.001, whereas anxiety b = -0.10, p = 0.001) and MSPSS scores (b = -0.08, p &lt; 0.001). IOP of the worse eye was associated with anxiety (b = 0.2, P = 0.002), whereas widowed status was associated with depression (p &lt; 0.005).Conclusions: Analysed HADS scores in this study show depression and anxiety rates among glaucoma patients in this population are relatively low. Severe glaucoma and lack of perceived social support are significant predictive factors. The findings underline the importance of screening for depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients to provide psychosocial intervention where needed.

Validation and psychometric properties of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support among Korean breast cancer survivors

ObjectiveSocial support plays a key role in dealing with various challenges accompanying cancer treatment and survivorship. The multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) is a valid measurement used globally to assess general support from social interpersonal relations. This study aims to validate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the MSPSS among Korean women with breast cancer. MethodsTwo independent cross-sectional studies collected data from 349 non-metastatic breast cancer survivors. Statistical analyses of confirmatory factor analyses, t-test, and Pearson correlation were performed to test construct validity, including factorial structure, concurrent validity, and known-group comparisons. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were used to evaluate the reliability. ResultsFactor analysis confirmed a three-factor construct (i.e., family, friends, and spouse) with good fit indices. Concurrent validity was verified by correlations with social well-being and interpersonal relationships, which are theoretically relevant concepts. Known-group validity was also confirmed by different MSPSS scores according to depression and symptom distress levels. Reliability was supported by good internal consistency and acceptable test–retest correlation coefficients. ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate the MSPSS is a valid and reliable measurement to assess the extent to which women with breast cancer perceive social support from spouses, other family members, and friends in Korea. Further studies should verify the psychometric properties of the MSPSS in patients with other cancers beyond breast cancer. Health professionals could administer the MSPSS to evaluate the diverse resources of social support among cancer survivors.

Long-term outcome in patients with myasthenia gravis: one decade longitudinal study.

Even treated, myasthenia gravis (MG) continues to represent a significant burden and might continuously affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of our longitudinal study was to analyze QoL in a large cohort of MG patients after a 10-year follow-up period. This study comprised 78 MG patients (60% females, 50 ± 16years old at baseline, 70% AchR positive) who were retested after 10 years. Disease severity was evaluated by MGFA classification. QoL was assessed using SF-36 questionnaire and Myasthenia Gravis-specific Questionnaire (MGQ). Hamilton rating scales for depression and anxiety (HDRS and HARS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) were also used. Similar percentage of patients was in remission at both time points (42% and 45%). However, at baseline all patients were treated, while 32% were treatment-free at follow-up. SF-36, MGQ, MSPSS and AIS scores were similar at baseline and retest. Mean HDRS and HARS scores worsened during time (p < 0.05), although percentage of patients with depression and anxiety did not change significantly. Significant predictors of worse SF-36 score at retest were depression (β = -0.45, p < 0.01), poor disease acceptance (β = -0.44, p < 0.01) and older age (β = -0.30, p < 0.01). Significant predictors of worse MGQ score at retest were poor disease acceptance (β = -0.40, p < 0.01), retirement (β = -0.36, p < 0.01), lower education (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), and depression (β = -0.18, p < 0.05). Although after 10 years, a significant number of MG patients were in remission, their QoL was still reduced. Neurologists should be aware that patients' perception of poor QoL may persist even if MG is well treated from a physician's perspective.

P543 The role of social support on psychological distress and health-related quality of life in adults with mild to moderately active Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background Medical and psychological factors contribute to the heightened psychological distress and reduced health-related quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease. Whether Social Support plays a role in this scenario is unknown. We used the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to investigate whether Social Support associates with psychological distress and quality of life in Crohn’s disease. Methods Consecutive adult patients with Crohn’s disease, presenting at specialist gastroenterology services or recruited by advertising, with mild to moderate disease activity by the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), were enrolled into the study. Patients completed the 12-item MSPSS questionnaire that measures psychological support in three categories: Family, Friends and Significant Other, and provides individual category scores and a total score (range of all scores 1–7; a higher score indicates more social support). Patients also completed the following questionnaires: psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory, with Global Severity Index, GSI), quality of life (Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, SIBDQ), satisfaction with life (SWLS), family stress (Family Assessment Device, FAD), coping strategies (Brief-COPE), and presenteeism and work activity (WPAI). Statistics: Spearman rho. *p&amp;lt;0.05, **p&amp;lt;0.01. Results The cohort comprised 126 patients, mean (SD) age 33.7 (10.6) years, females 79%, HBI 8.4 (2.5), CRP 1.2 (2.3), calprotectin 394 (674). MSPSS scores were as follows: Total score 5.72 (1.14), Friends 5.36 (1.34), Family 5.73 (1.14), and Significant Other 6.07 (1.15); Cronbach’s α ≥ .877. MSPSS scores correlated negatively with family stress measure FAD: Friends -.258**, Family -.732**, Significant Other -.401**; and with GSI psychological stress measure: Friends -305**, Family -.352**, Significant Other -.245**. MSPSS correlated positively with SIBDQ quality of life: Friends .300**, Family .188*, Significant Other .200*; and with satisfaction with life SWLS: Friends .379**, Family .333**, Significant Other .245**. MSPSS correlations with emotion-focused coping were: Friends -.337**, Family -.263**, Significant Other -.329**. MSPSS Family score correlated negatively with WPAI presenteeism -.270*, and WPAI work activity -.294**. Conclusion In mild to moderate Crohn’s disease, strong social support was associated with better quality of life, more satisfaction with life, and better performance in the work arena. Social support was associated with reduced psychological distress, reduced family stress, and less use of emotion-focused coping. This research shows the importance of social support in improving the psychological condition of patients with Crohn’s disease.

Association between postpartum depression level, social support level and breastfeeding attitude and breastfeeding self-efficacy in early postpartum women.

ObjectiveThe study was aimed at investigating the association between postpartum women’s breastfeeding self-efficacy levels and their depression levels, social support levels, and breastfeeding attitudes in early postpartum period.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was carried out in Kirklareli in Turkey. The population of the study consisted of 398 women aged 15–49 in the first 42 days of the postpartum period who presented to eight family health centers. The study data were collected face-to-face using the Personal Information Form, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Breastfeeding Attitudes of the Evaluation Scale (BAES).ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 28.61±5.72 (Min:18, Max: 44), and the mean score they obtained from the BSES-SF was 55.13±8.39. Statistically significant differences were detected between the participants’ BSES-SF scores and age groups, employment status, perceived income level, and the number of living children (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected between marital status, educational status and BSES-SF scores (p > 0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis adjusted according to the sociodemographic characteristics, BAES, EPDS and MSPSS accounted for 48.3% of the BSES-SF. A negative association was found between BSES-SF scores and EPDS scores (β = −0.178, 95% CI:−0.349, −0.006), and a positive relation between the BAES scores (β = 0.194, 95% CI: 0.163, 0.226) and the MSPSS scores (β = 0.114, 95% CI: 0.037, 0.191).ConclusionAs the level of depression of women increases in the postpartum period, the level of breastfeeding self-efficacy decreases. The breastfeeding self-efficacy increases as the level of social support increases and as the attitudes that drive breastfeeding behavior change positively.

Gender Dysphoria and Perceived Social Support: A Matched Case-Control Study

BackgroundIn people diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria (GD), low perceived social support from their families and society has been suggested to be associated with poor quality of life and mental well-being. AimTo compare the perceived social support in individuals with GD with that in individuals without GD matched for age and gender. MethodsThe study group (n = 50) consisted of individuals diagnosed with GD via psychiatric evaluation. A control group (n = 50) was created by matching volunteers without GD by age and gender. Sociodemographic data form, Structured Clinical Interview Form for DSM-IV TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to gather data from participants. Outcomescomparing the perceived social support, the total and subscale MSPSS scores of groups were calculated. ResultsThe presence of at least 1 psychiatric disorder was significantly higher in the GD group than in the control group, either lifetime or during evaluation (P < .001 and P = .025, respectively). The total MSPSS and family support subscale scores were found to be significantly lower in the GD group than in the control group (P = .001 and P ≤ .001, respectively). When the groups formed on the basis of gender identity (32 trans men vs 32 cis men and 18 trans women vs 18 cis women) were compared, only the family support subscale score was found to be lower in trans men than cis men (P = .005). In addition, comparisons within the groups formed based on sex assigned-at-birth revealed lower total, friend, and family support in those assigned female-at-birth and lower total and family support in those assigned male-at-birth in the GD group. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the presence of GD was significantly associated with total and family support MSPSS subscale scores. Clinical ImplicationsThe findings show that perceived social support in people diagnosed with GD is lower, even when the presence of psychiatric disorders is included in the analysis. Strengths and LimitationsThe matched case-control design was the major study strength, whereas the sample size was the major limitation. ConclusionClinical care of people diagnosed with GD should include the evaluation of diverse sources of social support, efforts to strengthen family and friend support, maintenance of interpersonal relationships, and support of mental well-being.Kaptan S, Cesur E, Başar K, et al. Gender Dysphoria and Perceived Social Support: A Matched Case-Control Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:812–820.

Problematic internet gaming in adolescents, and its relationship with emotional regulation and perceived social support

Technological developments and the increased use of the internet have created some risks for adolescents, including problematic internet gaming (PIG). The aim of this study is to investigate the role of age, gender, emotional dysregulation and perceived social support in PIG. The study was conducted with 1,291 adolescents. Participants completed the game addiction scale (GAS), difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), and multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) under the observation of their teachers. According to the results of the GAS, participants were divided into two groups: those with PIG and those without PIG. The effect of age, gender, DERS scores, and MSPSS scores on PIG was investigated using stepwise logistic regression analysis. The mean age of participants was 14.7 years and the frequency of PIG was 13.5% (n = 144). The frequency of PIG was significantly higher in males than in females. The results showed that male gender, high emotional dysregulation and low perceived social support were significantly associated with PIG. The present study indicate that PIG is highly observed in adolescents, especially in males, and as in other behavioral addictions, emotional dysregulation and perceived social support can play an important role in PIG.

Patient expectations and perceived social support related to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in adolescent athletes

ObjectiveExamine the relationship between pre-operative competitive status and return to sport expectations post-operatively among adolescents undergoing ACL reconstruction. Assess the association between perceived levels of social support and doubts in returning to sport after ACL reconstruction. DesignCross-sectional. SettingOutpatient sports medicine clinic at a single institution. Participants12–18 years old with an ACL tear who were planning to undergo ACL reconstruction. Main outcome measuresPsychovitality questionnaire responses and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire scores. Results86% of participants expected to return to sports in six months or less after surgery; there was no significant difference in expected time to return to sport between competitive vs. recreational athletes. Competitive athletes were less likely to be content returning to a lower activity level after surgery compared to recreational athletes. There were no significant differences in MSPSS scores between those who did and did not report doubts in their ability to return to their previous sports. ConclusionMost of our adolescent athlete population expected to return to sport after ACL reconstruction within six months of surgery. Those with and without doubts in their ability to return to sports did not significantly differ in levels of perceived social support.

The association of mental disorders with perceived social support, and the role of marital status: results from a national cross-sectional survey.

BackgroundThis study investigated whether (i) mental disorders were associated with perceived social support and its subcomponents, (ii) current marital status was related to perceived social support, and (iii) ‘Married’ status influenced the relationship between mental state and perceived social support.MethodsData from a cross-sectional national survey comprising 6126 respondents were used. Lifetime diagnosis for five mental disorders was assessed with a structured questionnaire. Perceived social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) that provides Global and subscale scores for Significant Other, Family and Friends. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions with MSPSS score as the dependent variable. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to test mediation by marital status.ResultsAll mental disorders included in the study, except alcohol use disorder (AUD), were significantly and negatively associated with Global MSPSS scores. After controlling for sociodemographic factors and chronic physical illness, major depressive disorder (β = - 0.299, 95% CI: -0.484 – -0.113, p = 002) and having any of the five mental disorders (β = - 0.133, 95% CI: -0.254 – -0.012, p = 032) were negatively associated with support from Significant Other, while support from Family and Friends was lower among all disorders, except AUD. Being married was positively associated with perceived social support in people with and without mental disorders. Results of the SEM partially support mediation by mental state - perceived social support relationship by ‘Married’ status.ConclusionHaving mental disorders was associated with lower perceived social support. Being married has potential to influence this relationship.

Associations Between Social Support and Diabetes-Related Distress in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes is a complex, chronic condition and managing it can have psychosocial implications for patients, including an impact on relationships with their loved ones and physical wellness. The necessary modifications to daily behaviors can be very overwhelming, thus leading to diabetes-related distress. To investigate the association between diabetes-related distress and perceived social support among people with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study surveyed a population with a lower socioeconomic status (Medi-Cal recipients, which are only given to low-income individuals) in Solano County, California. Patients who had type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were between 40 and 80 years old, and who had a medical appointment in the clinic(s) at least once between December 2015 and December 2016 were included. Patients who could not understand or speak English and patients whose primary care clinicians declined their participation in the study were excluded from the study. Each study participant was recruited at the end of their medical appointment, and the survey instrument in paper form was administered. The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale, which indicates diabetes-related distress, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) with 3 subscales (family, friends, and significant others) were used in this study. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between PAID and MSPSS surveys. For the 101 participants included in our study, multiple linear regression models showed statistically significant association between total MSPSS scores and total PAID scores (β = -.318; 95% CI, .577, -.0581; P=.017) as well as between MSPSS family subscale scores and total PAID scores (β= -.761; 95% CI, -1.35, -.168; P=.012). Among the 3 MSPSS subscales, higher perceived support from family members was found to be significantly associated with lower total PAID scores (β= -.761; 95% CI, -1.35, -.168; P=.012). Our findings suggest that a higher level of perceived social support experienced was associated with lower diabetes-related distress among patients with type 2 diabetes. Osteopathic physicians have a central role in providing comprehensive, patient-centered, holistic care, and the attention to social support in chronic disease management can help remove barriers in providing optimal care.

Psychological problem areas of pregnant women diagnosed with abortus imminens as a result of assisted reproductive techniques: A comparative study

The study was to evaluate the anxiety, depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and perceived social support of women who became pregnant using assisted reproductive techniques and who were both diagnosed or not diagnosed with threatened miscarriage (TM). This comparative and descriptive study was carried out with 194 pregnant women with-TM (96) and non-TM (98). The study data were collected using the Pregnant-Women-Information-Form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Women in the TM group were found to have higher mean scores from the BDI, BAI, and BHS, and a lower mean score from the MSPSS compared to the non-TM group (The group with TM had higher levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness than the group without TM, and the level of perceived social support by this group was lower). It was found that there was a strongly significant positive correlation in both groups between the BDI and BAI, and between the BDI and BHS. A strongly significant negative correlation was found between the BDI, BAI, BHS, and MSPSS in the TM group, whereas there was a moderately significant negative correlation in the non-TM group. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean BDI, BAI, BHS, and MSPSS scores according to age group, educational status, number of interventional in vitro fertilization attempts, and history of depression. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean BDI, BAI, and BHS scores according to previous abortion and family history of depression in the TM group. Monitoring symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness in women diagnosed with TM who have become pregnant after infertility treatment, intervening due to the risk factors involved, may prevent possible mental problems and have a positive impact on the healthy continuation of the pregnancy.