Social support in older people: lessons from a developing country

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Social support is crucial for older adults' well-being.
• Understanding social support levels in emergency department (ED) populations is vital.
• Tertiary hospitals in developing countries serve diverse patient groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the social support levels of elderly patients at a tertiary hospital's ED in Trinidad.
• To identify factors influencing social support among this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study design.
• Inclusion of patients aged 65 years and older presenting to the ED.
• Utilized the Sarason Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) to measure social support.

Main Results:

• 162 older adults (≥65 years) were included.
• Median Social Support Questionnaire Score (SSQS) was 4.83 and Social Support Questionnaire Number (SSQN) was 1.67.
• Ambulance arrivals reported significantly lower SSQS and SSQN compared to self-transported patients.
• Family support scores were substantially higher than non-family support scores.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the reliance on family support among older adults in Trinidad.
• Economic pressures and changing family structures may challenge long-term family support.
• Further research is essential to understand social support for the growing elderly population in developing nations.