title: Social support and self-efficacy in patients with Myasthenia Gravis: a common pathway towards positive health outcomes.
abstract: Social support and self-efficacy, that was defined as one's belief in one's capabilities to enact a certain behaviour, have a mediating effect on health outcomes and, by facilitating healthy behaviours and compliance to treatment, reduce morbidity and mortality. This pilot study aims to test whether social support and self-efficacy have a positive effect in improving health outcomes of patients with Myasthenia Gravis. 74 patients (mean age 48.1; 67.6% female) were enrolled and reported low self-efficacy and health status, but good perceived social support. Men reported better self-efficacy than women, and those living with a partner reported higher social support levels. No differences were found stratifying for disease onset, disease stage and patients' working situation. Self-efficacy and tangible support were independent predictors of mental health status. These results provide a preliminary indication that psychosocial interventions aimed to increase self-efficacy could positively mediate mental health status in myasthenic patients, especially among women.
authors: Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, Scientific Directorate, Neurological Institute C. Besta, IRCCS Foundation, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy. araggi@istituto-besta.it
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Raggi
authors: Matilde
authors: M
authors: Leonardi
authors: Renato
authors: R
authors: Mantegazza
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Casale
authors: Giulia
authors: G
authors: Fioravanti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult