Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of Measures of Social Support Used in Studies of Persons With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Social support is linked to improved glycemic control and psychosocial well-being of patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose was to critically evaluate the psychometric properties of social support measures used in this population. Method: A systematic review of measures of social support was performed using 5 databases. Two hundred and fifty-six studies were initially retrieved, and 48 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Results: The majority used general measures of perceived social support. Only 17% measured positive and negative social support; 92% used a single measure of social support. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) was used in 25% of the studies. Conclusions: Using a combination of social support measures and further evaluation of their psychometric properties in this population is recommended.