Status and Influencing Factors of Social Support among Chinese People Bereaved of Their Only Child

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the social support status and its influencing factors among Chinese people bereaved of their only child, providing an evidence for the development of multiple social support systems.

Methods: During July to August 2017, a survey was carried out in a multi-stage sample of 235 Chinese people (≥45 years old) who were bereaved of their only child from a city under provincial jurisdiction in eastern China with a self-developed questionnaire covering questions about sociodemographic characteristics and social support [assessed by 3 domains (subjective support, objective support, utilization of support) of the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) ]. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed for exploring the influencing factors for self-reported social support.

Results: Totaled 192 cases returned responsive questionnaires, with a response rate of 81.7%. The total SSRS score ranged from 19.0 to 46.0. The median and quartile spacing for total SSRS score, subjective support score, objective support score and utilization of support score was 34.3 (12.9), 20.0 (8.0), 7.0 (3.0), 7.0 (3.0), respectively. Those married rather than singles achieved higher total SSRS score, subjective support score, objective support score and utilization of support score (P<0.05). Those earned monthly income ≥3 500 yuan achieved higher objective support score compared with those earned <3 500 yuan (P<0.05). Those without third-generation family members scored higher in total SSRS compared with those with (P<0.05). Both higher total SSRS score and subjective support score were found in those with good rather than fair self-reported physical status (P<0.05). Moreover, both higher total SSRS score and objective support score were found in those with good instead of poor self-reported physical status (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that marital status was associated with total SSRS score, subjective support score, objective support score and utilization of support score (P<0.05), and monthly income was associated with utilization of support score (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In general, the bereaved Chinese people enjoy good social support. However, the level of social support differs significantly between them, mainly by marital status and monthly income. Therefore, in order to increase the social support for them, we put forward the following suggestions: actively improve the community-based integrated contractual medical and nursing services for maintaining and improving the health; deliver psychological consultation services from professional psychotherapists in forms of one-to-one or groups; strengthen the implementation of health services purchased by the government; advance the development of social support systems.