Lack of a close confidant: prevalence and correlates in a medically underserved primary care sample.
The present study examined prevalence of lack of a close confidant in a medically underserved primary care sample, and evaluated demographic, medical, and psychological correlates of patients' deficits in close, personal contact. Adult patients (n = 413) reported on confidant status and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sociodemographic and medical information were obtained through chart review. One-quarter of patients endorsed lack of a close confidant. Past month anxiety and depression symptoms, but not medical status, were associated with unmet socioemotional needs. Implications for primary healthcare interventions are discussed.
Newton
Tamara
T
Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. tlnewton@louisville.edu
Buckley
Amy
A
Zurlage
Megan
M
Mitchell
Charlene
C
Shaw
Ann
A
Woodruff-Borden
Janet
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003219:Confidentiality; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011584:Psychology; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035502:Trust