Investigating the Status of Social Support in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Southeast Iran

Abstract Objective: Social support plays a crucial role in modifying health-related behaviors aimed at controlling chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. This research investigates the social support status of patients with type 2 diabetes in Kerman, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a descriptive-analytical approach and investigated 184 patients referred to the diabetes clinic. The participants were selected through systematic sampling, and data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, mean, and standard deviation, were calculated. Multivariate linear regression was employed to analyze the data, which were entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 statistical software. Results: The findings indicate that social support was most prominent in the area of nutrition, whereas it was least prominent in the area of exercise. Gender was found to have a statistically significant relationship with both nutritional status and drug consumption dimensions, as women demonstrated lower average scores in these areas compared to men. Moreover, gender and education were observed to impact the dimension of general care. However, none of the demographic characteristics analyzed showed a statistically significant relationship with exercise and physical activity. Conclusion: It is crucial to give ample attention to supporting and empowering patients’ families and social groups. Furthermore, adding psychological dimensions to social support could be beneficial. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions that target specific areas of support, such as exercise and general care, and take into account the differences between men and women.