Social support and associated factors among family caregivers of older people in NorthEast Peninsular Malaysia

Background: The negative health results associated with the family caregivers of older people
can be alleviated with social support, which is considered a valuable resource. Hence, the
factors contributing to social support need to be understood.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the social support associated with the family
caregivers of older people.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 family caregivers of older people
conveniently selected from two districts in Kelantan, a state in the North-East Region of
Peninsular Malaysia. Data were gathered between June to December 2021 using a
Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire. Descriptive
statistics were used to summarize the data in frequencies and percentages. Independent ttest and one-way analysis of variance were used to examine correlations among variables.
Results: The mean scores of social support for family caregivers were significantly higher
among their family (Mean  SD; 5.44  0.969) and other important people (5.25  1.123)
compared to their friends (4.84  1.094). Caregivers’ gender and duration of caregiving were
significant factors associated with social support (p <0.05).
Conclusions: The family caregivers received maximum support from their family and other
important people, but they were less supported by their friends. This study also observed that
the perceived social support of the caregivers of older people was affected by several factors,
such as gender and duration of caregiving. This finding gives nurses and other healthcare
workers the basic information they need to enhance nursing interventions and promote social
support among those who care for older people, which can positively impact caregiving.