Improvement of social support in empty-nest elderly: results from an intervention study based on the Self-Mutual-Group model

Nov 15, 2018Journal of public health (Oxford, England)

Improving social support for elderly living alone using a self-help group program

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Abstract

A 7-month intervention led to statistically significant increases in social support scores among 167 empty-nest elderly participants.

The Self-Mutual-Group model was associated with enhanced objective support, subjective support, and support utilization.
The control group of 183 participants did not receive any intervention, allowing for comparison.
Social support was measured using the Social Support Rating Scale at both baseline and after 7 months.
Findings suggest potential benefits of the Self-Mutual-Group model in improving social support for empty-nest elderly.

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BACKGROUND: China has the world's largest elderly population and an increasing number of empty-nest elderly. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Self-Mutual-Group model on social support of the empty-nest elderly, thus providing reference for improving their quality of life.

METHODS: A intervention study was conducted between October 2016 and May 2017 at six communities in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China. A total of 350 empty-nest elderly aged 60-88 years were randomly assigned in the intervention group (n = 167) with a 7-month SMG-based intervention or to a control group (n = 183) with no intervention. The social support of the participating elderly (n = 350) was assessed by the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) at the baseline and 7 months later, respectively.

RESULTS: A 7-month follow-up showed an increasing mean scores of SSRS, objective support, subjective support and support utilization of the intervention group, and reached statistical significance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The Self-Mutual-Group model was considered to be a positive intervention and was effective in increasing social support among the empty-nest elderly. Furthermore, future research should extend the intervention period and introduce multi-point measurement to better evaluate the intervention process and outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study on the 'SMG' Health Management Model Based on Community Organization Theory among empty-nest elderly (ChiCTR1800015884).

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Improvement of social support in empty-nest elderly: results from an intervention study based on the Self-Mutual-Group model

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