Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey
Abstract Background Iran has experienced a very fast fertility transition. The process of demographic transition, coupled with modernization, has had considerable consequences for the structure and function of families. There is rising concern in Iran about a potential decline in family care and sup...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-12-01
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| Series: | BMC Primary Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-023-02236-w |
| _version_ | 1827399438273871872 |
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| author | Maryam Tajvar Emily Grundy Astrid Fletcher Elizabeth Allen Badriyeh Karami |
| author_facet | Maryam Tajvar Emily Grundy Astrid Fletcher Elizabeth Allen Badriyeh Karami |
| author_sort | Maryam Tajvar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Iran has experienced a very fast fertility transition. The process of demographic transition, coupled with modernization, has had considerable consequences for the structure and function of families. There is rising concern in Iran about a potential decline in family care and support for older people as a result of these changes. The main aim of this study was to provide a benchmark by examining current associations between family factors and older people’s social support, both perceived and received. Methods A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 644 people aged 60 + years resident in Tehran was conducted using stratified cluster random sampling method in 2015. Outcome variables were perceived social support, as measured by Social Provision Scale, and received instrumental social support. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to examine the hypotheses. Results The analyses showed that most of the family factors measured, including family size (p = 0.01), living arrangements (p = 0.05), and amount of contact with family members (p = 0.001) were associated with older people’s receipt of instrumental social support. Living arrangements and quality of relationships with family members were associated with older people’s perceptions of social support (p < 0.001). Also, a significant gender interaction was found in associations between family size and SPS (p = 0.03). Having a large size family was positively associated with higher SPS for women (Coef. = 3.9, p = 0.009) but not for men (Coef. = -0.4, p = 0.7). Conclusion findings of this study support the premise that most of family factors play an important role in provision and perception of social support for Iranian older people. Further policies should mostly be selective of those at higher risk of low support such as widowed, childless, those living alone, having poor relationship with their relatives and those with worse health status. The results of this study may be utilized to target older populations who are at higher risk of low support with innovative programs that focus on building social networks and enhancing social support. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T19:45:01Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ffae15c8795a4bdbaed248851bf39c6a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2731-4553 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T19:45:01Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Primary Care |
| spelling | doaj.art-ffae15c8795a4bdbaed248851bf39c6a2023-12-24T12:25:20ZengBMCBMC Primary Care2731-45532023-12-0124111310.1186/s12875-023-02236-wRole of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional surveyMaryam Tajvar0Emily Grundy1Astrid Fletcher2Elizabeth Allen3Badriyeh Karami4Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical SciencesInstitute for Social and Economic Research, University of EssexFaculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineFaculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineBehavioral Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical SciencesAbstract Background Iran has experienced a very fast fertility transition. The process of demographic transition, coupled with modernization, has had considerable consequences for the structure and function of families. There is rising concern in Iran about a potential decline in family care and support for older people as a result of these changes. The main aim of this study was to provide a benchmark by examining current associations between family factors and older people’s social support, both perceived and received. Methods A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 644 people aged 60 + years resident in Tehran was conducted using stratified cluster random sampling method in 2015. Outcome variables were perceived social support, as measured by Social Provision Scale, and received instrumental social support. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to examine the hypotheses. Results The analyses showed that most of the family factors measured, including family size (p = 0.01), living arrangements (p = 0.05), and amount of contact with family members (p = 0.001) were associated with older people’s receipt of instrumental social support. Living arrangements and quality of relationships with family members were associated with older people’s perceptions of social support (p < 0.001). Also, a significant gender interaction was found in associations between family size and SPS (p = 0.03). Having a large size family was positively associated with higher SPS for women (Coef. = 3.9, p = 0.009) but not for men (Coef. = -0.4, p = 0.7). Conclusion findings of this study support the premise that most of family factors play an important role in provision and perception of social support for Iranian older people. Further policies should mostly be selective of those at higher risk of low support such as widowed, childless, those living alone, having poor relationship with their relatives and those with worse health status. The results of this study may be utilized to target older populations who are at higher risk of low support with innovative programs that focus on building social networks and enhancing social support.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-023-02236-wFamilySocial SupportOlder peopleIran |
| spellingShingle | Maryam Tajvar Emily Grundy Astrid Fletcher Elizabeth Allen Badriyeh Karami Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey BMC Primary Care Family Social Support Older people Iran |
| title | Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey |
| title_full | Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey |
| title_fullStr | Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey |
| title_full_unstemmed | Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey |
| title_short | Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey |
| title_sort | role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in iran a cross sectional survey |
| topic | Family Social Support Older people Iran |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-023-02236-w |
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