Social Support Index in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension: Cross-sectional Study in a Family Medicine Unit

Abstract

Objective: To identify the social support index of older adults with diabetes mellitus and hypertension who attend a family medicine outpatient clinic. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in beneficiaries of the family medicine unit of the General Hospital of Zone with Family Medicine No. 2, located in Zacapu, Michoacán, Mexico; both female and male, over 60 years of age, with diabetes and/or high blood pressure. Patients with cognitive impairment were excluded. The Medical Outcome Study (MOS) questionnaire was used to identify the social support index, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96. Descriptive statistics and a χ² test for association of qualitative variables were used, with a p value < 0.05. SPSS v.23 was used. Results: 372 older adults were surveyed, with a mean age of 70.37±7.20 years. They presented a mean social support index of 72 (19.4%) and a minimum of 300 (80.60%). The minimum index prevailed in those aged 60-70 years (162 (43.6%), females (168 (45.2%) and basic education (232 (62.4%). The affected domains were emotional support (299 (80.4%) and positive social interaction (299 (80.4%). Conclusions: The majority of older adults with diabetes mellitus and hypertension had minimal social support; support not only from the multidisciplinary team in patient care, but also from the emotional support and guidance of family members, is important.