Social Support and Patient Adherence to Medical Treatment: A Meta-Analysis.

TLDR

The study proposes a research agenda to investigate mediators linking social support to health outcomes. The authors reviewed 122 studies from 1948–2001 that examined structural or functional social support in relation to patient adherence to medical regimens. Meta‑analyses reveal significant positive correlations between adherence and practical, emotional, and unidimensional social support, with practical support showing the strongest effect; family cohesion raises adherence 1.74‑fold, conflict lowers it 1.53‑fold, and marital status or cohabitation modestly increase adherence.

Abstract

In a review of the literature from 1948 to 2001, 122 studies were found that correlated structural or functional social support with patient adherence to medical regimens. Meta-analyses establish significant average r-effect sizes between adherence and practical, emotional, and unidimensional social support; family cohesiveness and conflict; marital status; and living arrangement of adults. Substantive and methodological variables moderate these effects. Practical support bears the highest correlation with adherence. Adherence is 1.74 times higher in patients from cohesive families and 1.53 times lower in patients from families in conflict. Marital status and living with another person (for adults) increase adherence modestly. A research agenda is recommended to further examine mediators of the relationship between social support and health.