Gender Interaction in Association of Perceived Social Support and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Iranian Older People: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to examine possible gender interaction in the mentioned associations. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 644 participants over the age of 60 years old in Tehran. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted in their own homes, by using a structured multi-sectional questionnaire. The version 1 of the SF-12 scale was used to measure the HRQoL, consisting of two summary measures; PCS (Physical Component Score) and MCS (Mental Component Score). The Persian version of the Social Provisions Scale (SPS) was used to measure PSS. Four multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to examine the associations. Results: Older people with poor SPS score were 1.8 times more likely to be in the worst quartile of the MCS distribution (CI=1.11-2.93, P=0.021), and twice as likely to be in the worst quartile of the PCS distribution (CI=1.18-3.54, P=0.011). We found strong evidence to support the hypothesis of gender interaction in the association between economic status and PCS [Men: OR 0.28, CI (0.11-0.71); Women: OR 1.00, CI (0.53-1.88); P of Interaction 0.021], and a borderline evidence for gender interaction in the association between physical activity and PCS [Men: OR 5.32, CI (2.14-13.20); Women: OR 1.80, CI (0.82-3.93); P of Interaction 0.051]. Conclusions: Social support could be regarded as one of the main social determinants affecting HRQoL among older people. Men with poor economic status and poor physical activity, compared to women, are more likely to suffer from poor quality of life, thus men should be prioritized in financial support and life style and physical activity interventions.

The Structure of the Relationship between Physical Activity and Psychosocial Functioning of Women and Men during the COVID-19 Epidemic in Poland

“…Relating the observed regularities to the conclusions of the empirical works of other researchers, it can be seen that they are to some extent similar [67,73]. In a sample of 5856 adults aged 26-70 years, it was noted that in the male population, physical activity was more negatively associated with problems in the sphere of mental functioning than in the group of women [67].…”

“…Moreover, men with low physical activity compared to women more often reported poor mental and somatic health and a lower overall quality of life than women. It should be added, however, that the discussed model did not take into account the symptoms characteristic of cognitive disorders [73].…”

Role of family factors in provision and perception of social support for older people in Iran: a cross-sectional survey

“…The mean (SD) score of ISS for men and women was similar (men: m = 3.25, SD = 0.66, women: m = 3.24, SD = 0.65) (p = 0.85). More detailed descriptive information on study variables are available in previous publications from same study [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Social support is of particular importance for older people, as later life is associated with an increased risk of exposure to various stressors such as the onset of chronic conditions and functional limitations, loss of sources of income, and loss of spouse and confidants [ 11 ]. As there is evidence that social support is associated with the health of Iranian older people [ 12 , 13 ], there is a concern that the well-being of older people, may adversely be affected if smaller family sizes lead to a reduction in their ‘perceived’ and ‘received’ social support.…”