Impacts of social support on symptoms in Brazilian women with fibromyalgia

Abstract

We aimed to assess the impact of social support on symptoms in Brazilian women with FM. An observational, descriptive study enrolling 66 women who met the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Social support was measured by the Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), functionality was evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), anxiety was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), affectivity was measured by Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and algometry was carried out to record pressure pain threshold (PPth) and tolerance (PPTo) at 18 points recommended by the ACR. Patients were divided into normal (NSS) or poor social support (PSS) groups with PSS defined as having a MOS-SSS score below the 25th percentile of the entire sample. Mann-Whitney or Unpaired t-test were used to compare intergroup variables and Fisher's for categorical variables. Analysis of covariance and Pearson correlation test were used. No differences in sociodemographic variables between PSS and NSS were found. Differences between NSS and PSS groups were observed for all four subcategories of social support and MOS-SSS total score. Significant differences between NSS and PSS on depression (p=0.007), negative affect (p=0.025) and PPTh (p=0.016) were found. Affectionate subcategory showed positive correlation between pain and positive affect in PSS. Positive social interaction subcategory showed a negative correlation between FIQ and depression state. Therefore social support appears to contribute to ameliorate mental and physical health in FM.

The Impact of Perceived Social Support on Anxiety, Depression and Severity of Pain and Burnout Among Turkish Females With Fibromyalgia

“…MBI personal accomplishment subscale score was significantly higher in FMS group (p<0.001). The median VAS score was 7.42±1.91 (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Detailed data on mean scores of the scales are presented in Table 3.…”

“…43 Examining the relevant literature, we have found only limited research that reveals the relationships between use of social support groups and dealing with FMS. 9,40,44 Thus, we hope that our study will help clinicians to understand the important role of perceived social support in reducing the illness related chronic pain, anxiety, depression and burnout in FMS. Some studies have suggested that social support has positive impact on coping with chronic pain disorders like FMS.…”

“…Social support has also been conceptualized according to external resources demanded by individuals in need, and can be evaluated through the perceptions of individuals. 9 that are generally obtained from family members, partners, relatives, friends and colleagues. 10 Two types of social support subgroups have been put forward named as received social support and perceived social support.…”

“…Research has revealed a strong relationship between social support and decreased risk for mental and physical diseases. 9,12,13 Regardless of the type of chronic illness, positively perceived social support has resulted in positive treatment outcomes, including accompanying psychiatric illnesses. One of these chronic illnesses is FMS.…”

Construct validity of the Brazilian version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) in a sample of elderly users of the primary healthcare system

“…Recent studies have applied the MOS-SSS in specific contexts, such as in patients with cancer, 25 women with fibromyalgia, 21 caregivers, 26 patients with diabetes, 27 and residents of rural settlements, 28 among others.…”