The other way around: Does health predict perceived support?

Abstract

The aim in this study was to identify predictors of perceived social support before and after cataract surgery. We hypothesized that physical (comorbidity and visual acuity) and mental (depressive symptoms) health indicators would be directly and indirectly (through actually received support) associated with perceived support. One hundred and thirty-six cataract patients (69% women; mean age = 71.6 years) completed questionnaires before and after cataract surgery. Results showed that received support partially mediated the association between depressive symptoms and perceived support. However, mental and physical health variables were also directly associated with perceived support. We conclude that health status might feedback to perceptions of available support.

Keywords:

• Cataract
• health
• perceived social support

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG; DFG-GK 429/1-98) with a pre-doctoral stipend to Nina Knoll and Nina Rieckmann. We thank Nina Ebeling, Orla Hornung, and Urte Scholz for their help with data collection. Moreover, we thank the staff of the ophthalmology departments at the Berlin Schlossparkklinik and the Kiel-Bellevue Hospital for their support.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nina Knoll

Dr Nina Knoll was a recipient of the 2006 STAR Early Career Award