Social Support Factors Research Articles

Substance use, social support and socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers in Ibadan

Commercial drivers often engage in long and irregular working hours, and as such suffer back pain, fatigue, stress and thereafter use some psychoactive substance to cope with their job. Even though most studies on substance use have been on general population, limited information is available on the use of substance and roles of socio-demographic factors among commercial drivers. This study therefore examined the roles of socio-demographic factors (age, years of driving, gender and social support) in substance use among commercial drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria.The study employed a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling technique to recruit 250 commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic information, social support and substance use from the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, Analysis of Variance and Independent t-test analysis. Results showed that years of driving significantly have a positive correlation with substance use. However, duration and hours spent on the driving did not have a significant independent relationship with substance use. Younger participants significantly engage more in substance use than older individuals. Similarly, female participants significantly engage more in substance use than male drivers. Additionally, participants with high social support mostly engage in substance use than participants with low social support. The study concluded that years of driving, age, gender and social support network of the drivers significantly plays an influencing roles in substance usage among commercial drivers in Ibadan. The study recommends that, in the organized substance use and abuse preventive program for drivers, the consideration for drivers’ socio-demographics factors is quite imperative, especially as more females and younger individuals with more social support are getting more involved in substance use.

Maternal social support and health facility delivery in Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundMaternal mortality continues to decrease in the world but remain the most important health problems in low-income countries. Although evidence indicates that social support is an important factor influencing health facility delivery, it has not been extensively studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of maternal social support and related factors on health facility delivery in southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey data on 3304 women aged 15–47 years in three districts of Ethiopia, were analyzed. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the association between health facility birth, social support, and socio-demography variables. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to identify statistically significant associations at 5% alpha level.ResultOverall, 46.9% of women delivered at health facility in their last pregnancy. Average travel time from closest health facility (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.90), mean perception score of health facility use (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.33), involvement in final decision to identify their place of childbirth (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI 1.73 to 2.58) had significantly higher odds of health facility childbirth. From social support variables, women who perceived there were family members and husband to help them during childbirth (AOR: 3.62, 95% CI 2.74 to 4.79), women who received continuous support (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.23), women with companions for facility visits (AOR: 1.63, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.00) and women who received support from friends (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.23) had significantly higher odds of health facility childbirth.ConclusionsSocial support was critical to enhance health facility delivery, especially if women’s close ties help facility delivery. An intervention to increase facility delivery uptake should target not only the women’s general social supports, but also continuous support during childbirth from close ties including family members and close friends as these are influential in place of childbirth. Also actions that increase women’s healthcare decision could be effective in improving health facility delivery.

Blood pressure control status of patients with hypertension on treatment in Dessie City Northeast Ethiopia

IntroductionUncontrolled blood pressure contributes a huge contribution to many hypertension-related complications and it is one of the unbeaten problems for patients taking antihypertensive drugs. The association of social support and other factors with uncontrolled blood pressure during the covid-19 pandemic is not well investigated. Therefore, this study explored the determinants of blood pressure control status during the COVID-19 pandemic among patients with hypertension who were on an antihypertensive treatment.MethodA cross-sectional study was done from March to May 2021 among adults aged 18 or more patients with hypertension for three months or more on treatment in Dessie City. An interview-administered questionnaire was done using simple random sampling from hypertension follow-up register for 380 patients with hypertension. Blood pressure measurement was taken from their arm using a stethoscope and mercury sphygmomanometer at a sitting position with 90-degree back support. Uncontrolled blood pressure was also computed either the systolic or diastolic blood pressure greater than or less than the limit of uncontrolled blood pressure with regarding the age and diabetic status of patients. The perceived social support-related questionnaire was adopted from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) -12 item checklist. It was sum-up and transformed into three categories using tertile of their computed raw scores. The adjusted prevalence ratio with a 95 percent confidence interval (CI) was used to calculate the strength of the association between uncontrolled blood pressure and independent predictors using log-binomial regression analysis. A P-value less than 0.05 was declared as statistically significant in multivariable log-binomial regression analysis.ResultA total of 360 study participants were included in this study. The prevalence of uncontrolled blood measures in patients with hypertension with a 95% CI was 55.8(50.7, 61.0). In a multivariable analysis adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% CI for poor medication adherence 1.86(1.59,2.19), being male 1.35(1.11,1.64), secondary education 0.52(0.35,0.77), and low social support 1.24(1.01, 1.54) were the predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure.ConclusionUncontrolled blood pressure for patients with hypertension on treatment is higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being male, poor medication adherence, educational status and low social support are factors that contribute to uncontrolled blood pressure.

Predictors of Psychological Distress among Old Aged

Psychological distress is linked with the lack of social support and loneliness. The Elderly is suffering from many psychological issues and a lack of social support. Often, in old age homes, the lack of immediate friends and family leads them to many issues like loneliness, which affects their mental health. So it is essential to address this issue to provide care and support them. This study aimed to understand the contributing factors of psychological distress and influencing factors of psychological distress, loneliness, religiosity, and social support. The study was conducted on 159 older people (age range 60-90 years) of Thrissur and its neighboring places by employing a convenient sampling technique. The psychological distress scale was used to measure psychological distress The UCLA Loneliness Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Religiosity Scale were used to measure loneliness, perceived social support, and religiosity, respectively. Personal details of the participants, such as age, sex, socio-economic status, marital status, etc., were collected using a personal data sheet. Results revealed that the loneliness and support from the family were highly contributing to predictors of psychological distress, and loneliness and support from friends contributed to depression. Males and females differ on psychological distress and its components, namely anxiety and depression. Moreover, males and females experienced similar religiosity and stress levels, and females experienced higher levels of loneliness than males. As a result of lower support from family, friends, and special person and overall perceived social support, there occurs a higher level of depression. Psychological distress will be high when there is lower social support from family, friends, and special people. Also, when there is greater psychological distress, there will be high loneliness. Older persons will have high religiosity when there is high loneliness. Stress and depression differ between people living in old age homes and Pakal Veedu. Reduction in loneliness occurs when there is a presence of a special person in their life.

A Study on Social Support of the Elderly with Normal Hearing and Elderly Wearing Hearing Aids

Purpose: This study investigates the social support in both elderly who wear hearing aids and elderly who do not report any hearing loss.Methods: The study subjects were 48 seniors age 65 or older who wore hearing aids and 48 seniors who did not wear hearing aids. A Lubben social network scales survey was conducted. The Korean Version of International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids, Puretone Audiometry, and Word Recognition Score tests were carried out on the elderly who were wearing hearing aids.Results: A statistical analysis represented that the total social support scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Of all the social support factors, social network was statistically significant between the groups (p < 0.05), but social support was not statistically significant. The correlation between social support and the degree of hearing loss was not statistically significant. Further, there were no significant relationships found for the social support of older adults’ wearing hearing aids and satisfaction with hearing overall, and the level of social support.Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that users hearing aid users have a smaller social network than those who do not wear hearing aids. However, this result can be interpreted as an independent factor regarding satisfaction with hearing aid use and the degree of hearing. As a follow-up study, it will be necessary to proceed to study the diversity of the background factors for those elderly who do have hearing loss.

The ins and outs of posttraumatic growth in children and adolescents: A systematic review of factors that matter.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to a positive psychological change that occurs following a seismic and highly challenging life circumstance. An individual who experiences PTG reports posttrauma development that surpasses their baseline level of pretrauma function in various domains. The present systematic review of the current literature aimed to explore factors related to the development of PTG in children and adolescents exposed to trauma. Included studies investigated a range of factors that impact PTG development in youth from five countries: the United States, Israel, China, Japan, and Norway. Studies addressed multiple types of traumatic experiences, including medical trauma, war- and terror-related trauma, and environmental trauma. Findings suggested that factors that impact the development of PTG include the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms, specifically intrusiveness, and cognitive factors, such as the use of positive reappraisal and deliberate rumination. Many factors demonstrated inconsistencies across studies, such as the impact of age, gender, social support, and parent factors. The findings from this systematic research study encourage the notion that certain clinical intervention strategies, such as deliberate rumination, positive reappraisal coping strategies, and trauma-informed group therapy, may facilitate growth in trauma survivors. Future research should test if these intervention strategies directly impact growth and whether there is an evidence-based form of intervention that can assist clinicians in taking a growth- and strengths-based perspective after trauma.

The Moderating Effect of Community Environment on the Association Between Social Support and Chinese Older Adults' Health: An Empirical Analysis Study.

BackgroundThe aging population conundrum and the gradual weakening of older adults' health and ability to obtain resources as they age have drawn attention to this population's health. Older adults' health relates not only to their own quality of life, but also to the development of families/society.MethodsWe analyzed micro data from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Follow-up Questionnaire, using the probit model, ordinary least squares model, and other methods.Results and ConclusionsBoth formal and informal social support significantly impacted the physical and mental health of Chinese older adults, and the community environment moderated this relationship. To build a reasonable and effective social support system for older adults and improve their health, we suggest that stakeholders should continue to strengthen the formal and informal social support provided to older adults; they should also build a community-based care system, which will allow for the moderating role of community environment on the relationship between social support and older adults' health. Family and social support factors are important for older adults' health. We should enable the moderating role of community environment on the relationship between social support and health to be fully exerted, as well as build a community-based pension system.

Understanding Predictive Factors of Dementia for Older Adults: A Machine Learning Approach for Modeling Dementia Influencers

Dementia in the older population has become a major issue in health research. Given the prevalence of dementia worldwide, various approaches have been applied to examine the causes of dementia incidence and a wide range of factors are captured from many different perspectives. Despite multifaceted data collected from representative samples, most of the findings are merely based on a small set of certain aspects without utilizing a holistic approach to support a comprehensive overview. The present study introduces advanced machine learning algorithms to examine the longitudinal dataset and to the detection of the important predictive factors associated with dementia changes for older adults. The results are consistent with previous research findings, confirming the importance of subject characteristics (age, gender, and education), and further suggest both physiological (physical ability) and psychosocial (social support) factors to be the critical predictors for dementia status. Instead of evaluating the general relationships among possible causes and dementia incidence, our findings also signify the importance of data stratification to distinguish the distinctive requirements and expectations from different older cohorts. These observations indicate physical performance should be regularly evaluated and psychosocial indicators need to be incorporated into the assessment processes for early detection of dementia, where different interactive schemes (interventions or treatments) should be offered to particular older cohorts. The research findings provide critical dementia predictors that can serve as basic research guidelines to improve dementia care, develop timely interventions, and optimize the effectiveness in promoting the cognitive performance of older persons.

Predictive models for first-onset and persistence of depression and anxiety among university students

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are both prevalent among university students. They frequently co-occur and share risk factors. Yet few studies have focused on identifying students at highest risk of first-onset and persistence of either of these conditions. MethodsMulticenter cohort study among Spanish first-year university students. At baseline, students were assessed for lifetime and 12-month Major Depressive Episode and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (MDE-GAD), other mental disorders, childhood-adolescent adversities, stressful life events, social support, socio-demographics, and psychological factors using web-based surveys; 12-month MDE-GAD was again assessed at 12-month follow-up. ResultsA total of 1253 students participated in both surveys (59.2% of baseline respondents; mean age = 18.7 (SD = 1.3); 56.0% female). First-onset of MDE-GAD at follow-up was 13.3%. Also 46.7% of those with baseline MDE-GAD showed persistence at follow-up. Childhood/Adolescence emotional abuse or neglect (OR= 4.33), prior bipolar spectrum disorder (OR= 4.34), prior suicidal ideation (OR=4.85) and prior lifetime symptoms of MDE (ORs=2.33-3.63) and GAD (ORs=2.15-3.75) were strongest predictors of first-onset MDE-GAD. Prior suicidal ideation (OR=3.17) and prior lifetime GAD symptoms (ORs=2.38-4.02) were strongest predictors of MDE-GAD persistence. Multivariable predictions from baseline showed AUCs of 0.76 for first-onset and 0.81 for persistence. 74.9% of first-onset MDE-GAD cases occurred among 30% students with highest predicted risk at baseline. LimitationsSelf-report data were used; external validation of the multivariable prediction models is needed. ConclusionMDE-GAD among university students is frequent, suggesting the need to implement web-based screening at university entrance that identify those students with highest risk.

Social Support and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

Background: The risk of lifestyle and environment will lead to an increase in cancer prevalence. Therefore, it needs managing support for palliative cancer patients. The purpose of the study was to obtain the correlation between social support characteristics and cancer patients' quality of life. Method: This research using a cross-sectional approach was conducted in several palliative shelters. Samples were 93 respondents, obtained using a quota sampling technique. The variables used were social support (family, friends, and others) and the cancer patient's quality of life. Result: The results showed that social support received at a high level was most obtained from the family as many as 65 respondents (69.9%). Furthermore, the social support factor of cancer patients related to the quality of life was friends' support (p-value <0.05), while other factors were considered irrelevant. The collecting data technique was used due to the dynamics of patients seeking treatment at the West Java provincial referral hospital. Conclusion: the friend's support is significant for improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Peer groups are an essential component in managing health care in the community.

Are social isolation, lack of social support or loneliness risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Australia and New Zealand? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

An international systematic review concluded that individuals with poor social health (social isolation, lack of social support or loneliness) are 30% more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Notably, the two included Australian papers reported no association between social health and CHD or stroke. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between social isolation, lack of social support and loneliness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence among people living in Australia and New Zealand. Four electronic databases were systematically searched for longitudinal studies published until June 2020. Two reviewers undertook title/abstract screen and one reviewer undertook full-text screen and data extraction. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle - Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Of the 725 unique records retrieved, five papers met our inclusion criteria. These papers reported data from three Australian longitudinal datasets, with a total of 2137 CHD and 590 stroke events recorded over follow-up periods ranging from 3 to 16years. Reports of two CHD and two stroke outcomes were suitable for meta-analysis. The included papers reported no association between social health and incidence of CVD in all fully adjusted models and most unadjusted models. Our systematic review is inconclusive as it identified only a few studies, which relied heavily on self-reported CVD. Further studies using medical diagnosis of CVD, and assessing the potential influence of residential remoteness, are needed to better understand the relationship between social health and CVD incidence in Australia and New Zealand.

Impact of Social Support on Mental Wellbeing among Internet Users In Nigeria During Covid-19 Pandemic

This study investigated the role of social support on mental wellbeing during COVID-19 Pandemic among internet users in Nigeria. A total of one hundred and six (106) participants (55 (51.9%) females, and 51 (48.9%) males participated in the study. The participant ages ranged from 19-29 years with a mean age of 28.68 and standard deviation of 8.14. Participants were drawn using convenience sampling technique and data were collated using the online Google form method. The link to the survey was shared across different platforms such: as Facebook, Whatsapp, and email list. The participants gave their consent and willingness to participate by checking a box in the online survey. Two instruments were used in data collection namely; a 15-item COVID-19 social support questionnaire (COVID-19- SSQ) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (AWEMWBS). Two hypotheses were tested. The study adopted cross sectional design, while regression was employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that the presence of social support has significant influence on existence of mental wellbeing. It is recommended that social support factor should be sustained because of its buffer effect on mental wellbeing during COVID-19 Pandemic among internet users in Nigeria.

The Influence of Teaching Quality, Social Support, and Career Self-Efficacy on the Career Adaptability Skills: Evidence from a Polytechnic in Indonesia

Introduction. Changes in the industry impact the stable condition of working in a company or industry and it is not something that can be guaranteed again in the future. The proof is that there are many phenomena of job transfers or even layoffs in various business sectors due to COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies have examined the importance of developing career adaptability skills to face the changing needs of the industry. However, studies that discuss the mechanism of forming career adaptability skills involving important antecedent factors such as teaching quality, social support, and career self-efficacy of polytechnic students are still limited. Therefore, this study aims at examining the effect of teaching quality, social support, and career self-efficacy factors on the career adaptability skills of polytechnic students. Materials and Methods. This study involved 265 students at a polytechnic in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The students expressed their perceptions of the quality of their internship learning, social support, and career selfefficacy – data analysis used Structural Equation Modeling by Amos 18 software. Results. This study reveals that teaching quality and social support does not have a direct effect on career adaptability skills. Meanwhile, career self-efficacy has a direct effect on the career adaptability skills of polytechnic students. Other findings, teaching quality and social support have a direct effect on the career self-efficacy of polytechnic students. Finally, career self-efficacy mediates the effect of teaching quality and social support on the career adaptability skills of polytechnic students. Discussion and Conclusion. This study provides important implications for the development of learning in vocational education so that students have a good mastery of career adaptability skills. Vocational education practitioners must design a vocational teaching model that combines vocational teaching, social support, and career self-efficacy to form mastery of career adaptability skills for pop-polytechnic students. In addition, the development of a vocational education curriculum needs to include mastery of career adaptability skills for students in vocational education, be it vocational high schools or polytechnics. In further research, it is necessary to develop a vocational learning model that aims to inculcate career adaptability skills for vocational students.

Positive attitudes toward legumes are associated with legume intake among adults in Puerto Rico

Legumes are a traditional healthy staple food in Latin America, with great potential for use in diet-related chronic disease prevention interventions. This study aimed to investigate attitudes about legume consumption and associations with dietary intake. Adult participants from the Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle, and Diseases, who completed a validated food frequency questionnaire and a legumes questionnaire (n = 229) were included. A 25-item Likert scale was used to assess agreement with stated attitudes regarding legumes consumption. Exploratory factor analysis produced 3 factors: (1) taste and perceived benefits; (2) barriers and negative attitudes; and (3) social support and cultural beliefs. A combined attitudes scale was computed, with higher scores indicating more positive attitudes toward legumes. Adjusted linear regression models examined associations between each factor and the combined scale with legumes intake, rice intake, and ratio of legumes to rice intake. Significant positive associations were observed for the taste and perceived benefits factor (β = 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.21) and the social support and cultural beliefs factor (β = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.07-0.22) with legume intake. The social support and cultural beliefs factor was also associated with a higher ratio of legumes to rice intake (β = 1.59; 95% CI, 0.04-3.14). A 3-unit increase in the combined attitudes scale (corresponding to 1 additional positive attitude) was associated with a 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01-0.05) higher servings/day legume intake. The barriers and negative attitudes factor was inversely associated with rice intake (β = -0.10; 95% CI, -0.02 to -0.17) and positively associated with ratio of legumes to rice intake (β = 1.55; 95% CI, 0.03-3.07). Nutritional programs to increase legume intake as a healthy staple food among Puerto Ricans and Hispanic/Latino populations should emphasize building positive attitudes, especially those related to taste, perceived benefits, social support, and cultural beliefs, while diminishing barriers and negative attitudes.

Associations Between Severity of Depression, Lifestyle Patterns, and Personal Factors Related to Health Behavior: Secondary Data Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDepression is a prevalent condition that has a significant impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life. The onset and persistence of depression have been linked to a variety of biological and psychosocial variables. Many of these variables are associated with specific lifestyle characteristics, such as physical activity, diet, and sleep patterns. Some psychosocial determinants have an impact on people’ health-related behavior change. These include personal factors such as sense of coherence, patient activation, health literacy, self-efficacy, and procrastination. This study aims to analyze the association between the severity of depression, lifestyle patterns, and personal factors related to health behavior. It also aims to analyze whether personal factors moderate the relationship between lifestyles and depression.MethodsThis study is a secondary data analysis (SDA) of baseline data collected at the start of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). A sample of 226 patients with subclinical, mild, or moderate depression from primary healthcare centers in two sites in Spain (Zaragoza and Mallorca) was used, and descriptive, bivariate, multivariate, and moderation analyses were performed. Depression was the primary outcome, measured by Beck II Self-Applied Depression Inventory. Lifestyle variables such as physical exercise, adherence to Mediterranean diet and sleep quality, social support, and personal factors such as self-efficacy, patient activation in their own health, sense of coherence, health literacy, and procrastination were considered secondary outcomes.ResultsLow sense of coherence (β = −0.172; p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (β = 0.179; p = 0.008), low patient activation (β = −0.119; p = 0.019), and sedentarism (more minutes seated per day; β = 0.003; p = 0.025) are predictors of having more depressive symptoms. Moderation analyses were not significant.DiscussionLifestyle and personal factors are related to depressive symptomatology. Our findings reveal that sense of coherence, patient’s activation level, sedentarism, and sleep quality are associated with depression. Further research is needed regarding adherence to Mediterranean diet, minutes walking per week and the interrelationship between lifestyles, personal factors, and depression.

Antenatal depressive symptoms in rwanda: rates, risk factors, and social support

BackgroundPrevalence of perinatal depression is high in Rwanda and has been found to be associated with the quality of relationship with partner. This study extends this work to examine the relationship between antenatal depressive symptoms and social support across several relationships among women attending antenatal care services.MethodsStructured survey interviews were conducted with 396 women attending antenatal care services in 4 health centres in the Southern Province of Rwanda. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Maternity Social Support Scale (MSSS) were used to assess antenatal depressive symptoms and the level of support respectively. Socio-demographic and gestational information, pregnancy intentions, perceived general health status, and experience of violence were also collected. Univariate, bivariate analyses and a multivariate logistic regression model were performed to determine the relationship between social support and risk factors for antenatal depressive symptoms.ResultsMore than half of respondents were married (55.1%) or living with a partner in a common-law relationship (28.5%). About a third (35.9%) were in their 6th month of pregnancy; the rest were in their third term. The prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms was 26.6% (EPDS ≥ 12). Bivariate analyses suggested that partner and friend support negatively predict depression level symptoms. Adjusting for confounding variables such as unwanted pregnancy (AOR: 0.415, CI: 0.221- 0.778), parity (AOR: 0.336, CI: 0.113–1.000) and exposure to extremely stressful life events (AOR: 2.300, CI: 1.263- 4.189), partner support (AOR: 4.458, CI: 1.833- 10.842) was strongly significantly associated with antenatal depressive symptoms; women reporting good support were less likely to report depressive symptoms than those reporting poor support or those with no partner. Friend support was no longer significant.ConclusionThe study revealed that social support may be a strong protector against antenatal depressive symptoms but only support from the partner. This suggests that strengthening support to pregnant women may be a successful strategy for reducing the incidence or severity of maternal mental health problems, but more work is required to assess whether support from the broader social network can compensate for absent or unsupportive partners.

Victimization of Sexual Minority Latinx Youth: Results From a National Survey.

Limited previous research has explored the intersectional stress and trauma sexual minority (SM) Latinx youth experience generated by being part of at least two minoritized groups. The Dating Violence among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) study employed a national sample of Latinx youth and queried a range of victimizations in the past year, via a bilingual phone survey. Of the 1525 12-18-year-old youth interviewed for DAVILA, 123 either identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual or had at least one same-sex dating partner. Measures included the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, the Conflict Tactics Scale Short Form, Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Rates of dating violence, psychological dating violence, sexual victimization, and polyvictimization were significantly higher among sexual minority (SM) youth, compared to heterosexual (HET) youth. Victimized SM youth had significantly more depression, anxiety, and hostility than victimized HET youth. Sexual minority youth also reported less social support from family and significant others. A sequential regression showed psychosocial factors of mental health functioning and social support were associated with the number of victimizations above and beyond demographic factors, including SM status. Together these results underscore that SM youth experience greater adverse outcomes than HET youth. However, it is not SM status that directly relates to victimization, but the negative effects of psychological distress and low social support, that account for the higher number of victimizations of SM Latinx youth. These factors are closely linked to the stigmatization that SM youth face. As such efforts to destigmatize SM identities are needed to address the health and safety of SM Latinx youth.

Perceived Social Support and Associated Factors Among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS Attending ART Clinic at Public Hospitals in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia 2021.

BackgroundHIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s serious public health challenges. Patients with limited support from their family and community often experience social damage, poor adherence, compliance and are prone to additional psychosocial problems. This study aimed to assess the level of perceived social support and factors among adults living with HIV/AIDS.MethodsFacility-based mixed study (sequential explanatory) design was conducted among 423 adults living with HIV/AIDS attending chronic care follow-up at public hospitals in Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Respondents were selected by systematic sampling technique. The bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to determine associated factors. All assumptions applied to ordinal logistic regression including multicollinearity, proportional odds, model fitness and pseudo R2 were checked. Level of significance was declared at p-values <0.05 and 95% CI.ResultsProportion of perceived social support of participants was 128 (30.7%), 197 (47.2%) and 92 (22.1%) with low, moderate and high levels of perceived social support, respectively. Females [(APOR = 2.42, 95% CI:(1.63–3.58), P < 0.001)], no formal education [(AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: (0.30–0.789), P = 0.004)], fair adherence [(APOR = 2.07, 95% CI: (1.17–3.49), P = 0.006)], no comprehensive knowledge about HIV [(APOR = 0.40, 95% CI: (0.26–0.62), P < 0.001)], and no disclosure status [(APOR = 0.64, 95% CI: (0.43–0.95), P = 0.028] were significantly associated with perceived social support. Qualitative findings revealed that disclosure and adherences involving income generation activities are beneficial to perceived social support.ConclusionThis study showed that one from three of the participants had low perceived social support. Low perceived social support was associated with adherence, disclosure status of individual, educational status and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Family, friends, health care providers and significant others should provide necessary support and inform people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) about social support.

Predictors of Adherence to Treatment in Hemodialysis Patients: A Structural Equation Modeling.

Background: Non-compliance to the treatment is a major problem in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to determine factors predicting adherence to treatment in hemodialysis patients in selected cities of Khuzestan province, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Ahvaz, Shush, Shushtar, and Dezful cities. The data collection tools were ESRD-AQ, perceived health, perceived social support, Beck Depression, self-efficacy, and demographic and clinical factors questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationship between various exogenous and endogenous or mediating variables. Results: The results showed that all predicting variables of perceived social support, depression, self-efficacy, and perceived health had been associated with the variable of adherence to treatment. Accordingly, there was a reverse correlation between social support and depression (p< 0.001, r= -0.94), as well as depression and self-efficacy (p< 0.001, r= -0.87). There was a direct correlation between self-efficacy and perceived health (p< 0.001, r= 0.79), perceived health and adherence to treatment (p< 0.001, r= 0.72). Fitness indices also indicate the adequacy of the proposed model (X2/df= 4.94, CD=0.937, SRMR=0.076, TLI= 0.870, CFI= 0.873, RMSEA= 0.071). Conclusion: The results showed that high social support, low level of depression, high perceived self-efficacy, and high perceived health predicted better compliance with the treatment in hemodialysis patients. The proposed model can be used as a framework to improve adherence to treatment regimens in hemodialysis patients.

The prevalence and associated factors of motoric cognitive risk syndrome in multiple ethnic middle-aged to older adults in west China: a cross-sectional study.

Motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome characterized by subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait has been proposed and validated as a pre-dementia syndrome. The overall and specific ethnic prevalence of MCR and the associated factors are poorly understood in middle-aged to older community-dwelling residents in west China. The present study included 6091 samples from the prospective cohort study, West China Health and Aging Trend (WCHAT). Multidimensional factors of demography, lifestyle, social support, anthropometrics and body components, and clinical status were investigated and analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Lasso regression and K-fold cross-validation were conducted to construct the most predictive model with fitted factors. The overall prevalence of MCR was 9.74%, and ethnically the prevalence was 14.25% in Tibetan, 11.03% in Yi, 10.72% in Han, 5.18% in Uighur and 4.55% in Qiang, respectively. In the adjusted models, the positively associated risk factors included diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]=1.51, p=0.007), osteoarthritis (OR=1.50, p=0.002), depression (OR=1.36, p=0.005), poor sleep (OR=1.21, p=0.045), comorbidity (OR=1.49, p=0.001) and falls in the last 12months (OR=1.34, p=0.031). Of note, every 1-unit increase of value in stroke was associated with an approximate 3-fold higher risk of having MCR, whilst in high-density lipoprotein with a 30% lower risk of MCR,respectively. Profiles of MCR from the aspects of ethnicity and the presenium stage need further exploration. It is a promising strategy to apply MCR as a primary prevention tool to prevent dementia.