تحقیقات سلامت در جامعه (Oct 2022)
Relationship between Social Support and Health-related Quality of Life among the Elderly in Abadan during 2020-2021
Abstract
Introduction and purpose: The quality of life of the elderly is endangered by their special needs. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and health-related quality of life among the elderly in Abadan. Methods: This study was conducted based on a descriptive cross-sectional analytical design. The study sample included 138 elderly people in Abadan. Data collection instruments were the SF36 standard quality of life questionnaire and social support questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and regression at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results demonstrated that the quality of life of men (91.29±6.2) was higher than women (46.47±22.58), and the difference was significant (P<0.05). The mean score of social support and all three dimensions (support of family, friends, and acquaintances) in older men was higher than in older women. Social support had a significant and direct correlation with health-related quality of life (P=0.01). Social support predicted a 31.8% variance in the quality of life among the elderly. Conclusion: The elderly had moderate quality of life and social support. The use of counseling, training, and support methods by the family and the community can be effective in improving their health.
