The relationship between social support and health-related quality of life in patients with antiphospholipid (hughes) syndrome. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Georgopoulou, Sofia; Efraimidou, Sofia; MacLennan, Sara Jane; Ibrahim, Fowzia; Cox, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Modern rheumatology. Volume 28:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Antiphospholipid (Hughes) syndrome -- social support -- health-related quality of life -- short-form health survey; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2017.1317319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-7595

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Antiphospholipid (Hughes) syndrome (APS) is recognised as a systemic autoimmune disease defined by recurrent thromboembolic events and/or pregnancy morbidity. Little is known about the psychological burden of this long-term condition. This study aims to explore the relationship between social support and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with APS. Methods: A total of 270 patients with a clinical diagnosis of APS participated in a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey. Data included demographics, disease-related information, social support and HRQoL. Results: Both perceived and ideal social support were associated with HRQoL in APS. Patients reported receiving insufficient social support. Perceived emotional support was related to physical functioning ( B = 7.77, p = .006, 95% CI: 2.25, 13.29); perceived instrumental support was associated with bodily pain ( B = 17.52, p < .001, 95% CI: 11.15, 23.90) and perceived informational support with physical and social functioning ( B = −6.30, p = .05, 95% CI: −12.52, −0.08; B = 8.06, p = .02, 95% CI: 1.17, 14.94). Ideal emotional support was related to physical and social functioning ( B = 5.80, p = .04, 95% CI: 0.26, 11.34; B = 7.53, p = .04, 95% CI: 0.55, 14.51); ideal instrumental support was associated with mental health ( B = 4.73, p = .03, 95% CI: 0.38, 9.07) and ideal informational support with vitality ( B = 5.85, p = .01, 95% CI: 1.23, 10.46). Conclusion: Social support was linked to HRQoL in patients with APS. Insufficient social support was associated with limitations in various HRQoL domains. Increasing social support especially through provision of disease-specific education might contribute to improving HRQoL in patients with APS. Patient-tailored interventions addressing psychosocial aspects of living with APS are needed to improve patients' psychological and physical status.