Perceived Social Support in Iranian Older Adults: A Qualitative Study Publisher



Nazari S¹ ; Foroughan M¹ ; Shahboulaghi FM¹ ; Rassouli M² ; Sadeghmoghadam L¹ ; Farhadi A¹ ; Shabestari AN³ Show Affiliations
Source: Educational Gerontology Published:2016

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Given the substantial effect of perceived social support on older adults' health, this study addressed how Iranian older adults understood and experienced the concept of perceived social support. This study used directed content analysis of semistructured interviews with 18 community-dwelling older adults living in different zones of Tehran. The participants stressed the importance of access to a variety of support from family and friends (especially children)—including emotional, practical, informational and social companionship—despite some conflicts in their relationships. The importance of spiritual support was also stressed. The majority of the participants expressed satisfaction with their available support and wished they could provide their close people, especially their children, with emotional, providing, and practical support. Researchers and health policy-makers in the Middle Eastern countries can use these findings to be more familiar with the concept of perceived social support and to develop appropriate interventions to improve support systems. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.