Satisfaction with support given and its association with subsequent health status.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates health outcomes of older individuals who reported on their level of satisfaction with support given to family, friends, or community organizations.


METHODS
A 3-year prospective cohort study of women aged 65 and older.


RESULTS
Higher scores on the giving support scale predicted better lower-body function (Beta = .06; SE .02; p = .02) and less ADL difficulty (Beta = -.18; SE .04; p = .0001). The scale was also significantly associated with future hospitalization and death. Women in the lowest quartile were 28% more likely to be hospitalized (relative risk [RR] 1.28; 95% CI 1.00 - 1.65; p = .05) and 52% more likely to die (RR 1.52; 95% CI 1.03 - 2.26; p = .03) compared with those who scored in the highest quartile.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that level of satisfaction with support given to family or friends or the community is associated with future health of the older person.
Ostir
Glenn V
GV
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA. gostir@utmb.edu
Simonsick
Eleanor
E
Kasper
Judith D
JD
Guralnik
Jack M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000533:Altruism; D026686:Beneficence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006304:Health Status; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D009026:Mortality; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States