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Social support among older adults in Malaysia
Author(s) -
Mahmud Mohd AF,
Hazrin Mohd,
Muhammad Eida N,
Mohd Hisyam Muhammad F,
Awaludin S. Maria,
Abdul Razak Mohammad A,
Mahmud Nur A,
Mohamad Nor A,
Mohd Hairi Noran N,
Wan Yuen Choo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.14033
Subject(s) - social support , confounding , medicine , gerontology , activities of daily living , depression (economics) , social engagement , demography , psychology , psychiatry , social psychology , social science , sociology , economics , macroeconomics
Aim This study aimed to determine the factors that influence perceived social support among older adults in Malaysia. Methods We used the 11‐item Duke Social Support Index to assess perceived social support through a face‐to‐face interview. Higher scores indicate better social support. Linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors that influence perceived social support by adapting the conceptual model of social support determinants and its impact on health. Results A total of 3959 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the Duke Social Support Index. The estimated mean Duke Social Support Index score was 27.65 (95% CI 27.36–27.95). Adjusted for confounders, the factors found to be significantly associated with social support among older adults were monthly income below RM1000 (−0.8502, 95% CI −1.3523, −0.3481), being single (−0.5360, 95% CI −0.8430, −0.2290), no depression/normal (2.2801, 95% CI 1.6666–2.8937), absence of activities of daily living (0.9854, 95% CI 0.5599–1.4109) and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (−0.3655, 95% CI −0.9811, −0.3259). Conclusion This study found that low income, being single, no depression, absence of activities of daily living and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living were important factors related to perceived social support among Malaysian older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 63–67 .