[Factors underlying psycho-social problems]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Sociology
• Family Medicine

Background:

• Psychosocial problems (PSP) are influenced by a complex interplay of personal and familial factors.
• Stressful life events (SLE) and social support networks are recognized as critical determinants in the manifestation of PSP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate personal and family variables associated with the emergence of PSP.
• To examine the role of stressful life events (SLE) and social support in the genesis of PSP.
• To construct a comprehensive profile of individuals experiencing PSP.

Main Methods:

• A transversal, descriptive study was conducted at the Almanjayar Health Centre in Granada, Spain.
• 314 adult patients were recruited via systematic sampling, completing interviews and validated questionnaires (GHQ-28, Family Apgar, Holmes-Rahe, DUKE-UNC).
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for PSP.

Main Results:

• Key risk factors for PSP include being a middle-aged woman (30-59 years), belonging to a single-parent or dysfunctional family structure, and having an unskilled worker socioeconomic status.
• High levels of perceived stress (OR=3.02) and low levels of social support were significantly associated with increased risk of PSP.
• Family dysfunction and significant stressful life events (SLE) were identified as major contributors to PSP.

Conclusions:

• The typical patient profile for PSP in this setting is a middle-aged woman.
• This profile is characterized by belonging to a single-parent and/or dysfunctional family.
• Experiencing major stressful life events (SLE) and possessing insufficient social support are defining characteristics of PSP patients.