Method: A comprehensive review of scientific literature was conducted. Data sources were obtained from a search of multiple databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Academic Search Premier, and Google Scholar. Study inclusion criteria were publication in the past ten years and use of key words such as social support, chronic disease prevention and management.
Analysis/Results: Social support is a resource that can increase motivation and skills to engage in self-care or disease management behaviors. Studies demonstrated that social support can improve exercise behaviors, quality of life, mental and physical functioning, self-esteem, mood, perceived control, informational competence, and participation in healthcare.
Conclusions: Health educators should assess social networks and resources, identifying and addressing deficits. Peer support groups seem to be most beneficial for those with deficits in their existing social networks. Support groups and peer discussion groups are most effective when therapeutic and facilitated by a professional. Primary functions of support include goal setting, disease status monitoring, attempting self management, and obtaining regular physician care. Health educators can provide encouragement and provision of motivation, enhance coping strategies, assist with disease management behaviors, and facilitate problem solving skills. Many different types of social support programs in a variety of settings using numerous modes of education, support, and communication will increase program participation and enhance program effectiveness.
Learner Objectives: After attending this session, the participant will be able to define social support and describe the benefits of social support on chronic disease management.
The participant will be able to describe the ways health educators can utilize social support concepts to enhance disease management.