Dyadic effects of perceived social support on family health and family functioning in patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives: Using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model

Abstract

Background Social support, family functioning and family health are essential elements in the treatment of heart failure, yet most heart failure studies focus on the pharmacological interventions. This study aimed to examine whether perceived social support from nurses is associated with better family functioning of patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives and to examine whether family health mediates this relationship. Methods and findings A sample of 312 patients with heart failure and 312 of their nearest relatives were included in the study. The Family Functioning, Health and Social Support questionnaire was used to collect the data. Dyadic data were analysed by the Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model with distinguishable dyads using structural equation modelling. Patients and nearest relatives who perceived more social support had a higher level of family health and functioned better within the family. One partner effect was found, indicating that the higher the level of family health of the nearest relative, the better the family functioning of the patient (p <0.001). Family health partially (in the patient) and completely (in the nearest relative) mediated the association between social support and family functioning. Conclusion This study indicated that patients with heart failure and their nearest relatives who perceived more social support from nurses were more likely to have high level of family health and function better within the family. The interdependent relationships found in our study highlight a dyadic and family-oriented approach to improve family functioning in patients with heart failure.

Family function fully mediates the relationship between social support and perinatal depression in rural Southwest China

“…There are two possible reasons. One reason may be that social support improves an individual's physical health (for example, by increasing healthy activities and protective behaviours and promoting a healthier lifestyle) and ability to manage their stress and cope effectively; accordingly, the individual functions better within the family [61]. The other reason may be that the family members provide the most solid support in one's social network [62], partly owing to Chinese culture-specific norms of reciprocal filial piety [63], therefore, good social support means good family function in Chinese societies.…”

Family function fully mediates the relationship between social support and perinatal depression in rural Southwest China

“…There are two possible reasons. One reason may be that social support improves an individual's physical health(e.g., increases healthy activities and protective behaviours and promoting a healthier lifestyle) and ability to manage their stress and cope effectively; accordingly, the individual functions better within the family [63]. The other reason may be that the family members provide the most solid support in one's social network [64], partly owing to Chinese culture-speci c norms of reciprocal lial piety [65], therefore, good social support means good family function in Chinese societies.…”

Effect of family nursing therapeutic conversations on patients with heart failure and their family members: Secondary outcomes of a randomised multicentre trial

“…Significant improvements in scores regarding health promoting ( activities ) and well‐being may reflect perception of improved reinforcement and capability of decision‐making. Similarly, a recent study has revealed that patients with HF and their family members who considered increased social support from nurses indicated high level of family health and improved function in the family (Shamali et al, 2019). Future studies should address this dynamic interaction (Chung et al, 2009).…”