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Sex differences in social support perceived by polymedicated older adults with multimorbidity. MULTIPAP study
Cristina M Lozano-Hernández1,2,3,4, Juan Antonio López-Rodríguez1,3,4,5,6, Milagros Rico-Blázquez1,3,7
1Research Unit, Primary Health Care Management, Madrid, Spain.
Plos One
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Social support positively impacts health-related quality of life in older adults. This study explored sex differences in perceived social support among polymedicated individuals aged 65-74 with multimorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Social support is crucial for health outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
- Polymedicated older adults with multimorbidity represent a vulnerable population group.
- Understanding sex differences in social support is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze sex differences in perceived social support among polymedicated adults aged 65-74 with multimorbidity.
- To identify factors associated with functional social support in older men and women.
- To investigate the relationship between social support and health-related quality of life in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using baseline data from the MULTIPAP study (n=593).
- Social support was measured using the Duke-UNC-11 Functional Social Support (DUFSS) questionnaire (confident and affective support).
- Statistical analysis explored correlations between social support and demographic/clinical variables, stratified by sex.
Main Results:
- Both sexes reported higher functional social support when married/partnered and with better quality of life.
- In women, social support correlated with higher education, living alone, and treatment adherence.
- In men, social support correlated with higher income, more prescribed drugs, and fewer diagnosed diseases.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex differences exist in the correlates of functional social support among older, polymedicated adults with multimorbidity.
- Marital status and quality of life are common factors associated with social support for both sexes.
- Specific factors like education and living situation for women, and income and disease burden for men, highlight unique needs.
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