Improvement of social support in empty-nest elderly: results from an intervention study based on the Self-Mutual-Group model. (14th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Chichen; Zhao, Huining; Zhu, Ruifang; Lu, Jiao; Hou, Lihong; Yang, Xiaozhao Yousef; Yin, Mei; Yang, Tingzhong
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health. Volume 41:Number 4(2019:Dec.)
• Page Start: 830
• Page End: 839
• Publication Date: 2018-11-14
• Subjects: empty-nest elderly -- health management -- intervention -- social support; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy185
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-3842

Abstract

Abstract: 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).