The role of support in influencing outcome of end-stage renal disease.
An important part of health behavior variability is a supportive environment. This paper examines the concept and discusses its application to a general and geriatric home dialysis population. Social environment is analyzed along three interrelated dimensions: social support, social integration, and social network. The authors conclude that a multimethod approach for assessing environmental support is preferred over a single-item index. Furthermore, a supportive interpersonal environment is important for patients and family, both as a preventive agent and as a protective buffer against the impact of ESRD related stress.
Department of Psychiatry, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada.
H J
HJ
Burton
S A
SA
Kline
R M
RM
Lindsay
P
P
Heidenheim
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D008875:Middle Aged; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support