Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether social support affects the anxiety levels of obese patients and to develop recommendations by interpreting the results from a social work perspective.
Methods: The research was carried out by electronic based questionnaire method with individuals aged 18 and over who applied to Samsun Liv Hospital General Surgery Polyclinic between June 10, 2021, and September 10, 2021. The research used questions about demographic information, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
Results: As a result of the Pearson correlation analysis, a significant negative relationship was found between state and trait anxiety, total social support score, and friend, family, and special person sub-dimensions. As a result of the multiple linear regression analysis; “Friend” and “Special person” sub-dimensions did not have a significant effect on state anxiety, but the “Family” sub-dimension had a significant effect; at the same time, it was determined that the “Friend” and “Special person” sub-dimensions did not have a significant effect on trait anxiety, but the “Family” sub-dimension had a significant effect.
Conclusion: As a result of the research, the importance of the family’s social support to cope with both types of anxiety in obese patients has been revealed. In light of these results, it has been suggested that social workers should carry out programs in order to support and strengthen obese patients in their daily lives, both in health institutions and in their daily lives, on issues such as being compatible with their families, preventing family problems, and providing support for their families during treatment processes.
Cite this article as: Erkoç B, Lotfi S. The effect of social support on anxiety levels in obesity patients. Arch Health Sci Res. 2023;10(1):22-25.