Perceived Social Support Level and Related Factor among Community Dwelling Urban Elderly

Abstract

Background: The elderly have become increasingly worldwide. Due to the social gradient effect to the
social support which influencing health outcomes among the elderly.
Objectives: To explore the level of perceived social support, personal resources and factor related to
perceived social support among the elderly living in urban areas.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 489 elders. Questionnaires were used, comprising
3 parts: socio-demographic, health status and perceived social support. Data were collected by face to face
interviews and then analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, SD, independent sample t-test, ANOVA,
multiple linear regression, and 95% CI.
Results: The response rate was 100%. Most of respondents were females, mean age was 69.48 (SD 7.55)
years. The respondents had a high level of perceived social support, in which the mean score was 2.71 (SD
0.22, 95% CI: 2.69, 2.73). The most available personal resources when the elderly were in crisis or having
financial problems was the family members such as child and spouse. Factor related to perceived social
support among the elderly were depression, elderly club member, and activity of daily living (ADL).
Conclusions: To maintain the high level of social support there is a need for intervention programs that can
reduce depression and maintain activities of the elderly club in community and for ADL were recommended.