Multi-dimensional perceived social support as determinant of wellbeing in people with substance use disorder

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the predictive relationship of Multi-dimensional Perceived Social Support (MPSS) with wellbeing in people with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). After detailed review, the following hypotheses were formulated; multi-dimensional social support, i.e., a) Significant others would be a predictor of wellbeing in people with substance use disorder. b) Family would be a predictor of wellbeing in people with substance use disorder. c) Friends would be a predictor of wellbeing in people with substance use disorder. This study comprised 100 treatment seeking patients (people with substance use disorder). The age ranged from 18 to 56 years (mean age = 26.94 years, SD = 7.61). The sample was taken from different inpatient treatment and rehabilitation centres for treatment of drug addicts in Karachi and Sindh in Pakistan. A Personal Information Form (PIF) was used to take personal information (age, education, marital status etc.) of the participants. Multi-dimensional Perceived Social Support and Wellbeing Index-WHO were used to measure the MPSS and wellbeing in participants. In order to interpret the data in statistical terminology, descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviations, variance) was used to get a better statistical view of the summarised data sample characteristics. Simple regression analysis was used to determine the predictive relationship of MPSS with wellbeing in people with SUD. The statistical computation was done through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, V-12.0). Results showed that MPSS i.e., significant others (R2 =.268, F (98) = 35.923, p>.01) family (R2 =.158, F (98) = 18.448, p>.01) and friends (R2 =.068, F (98) = 7.200, p>.01) are predictors of wellbeing. Overall results indicate social support as a significant predictor of wellbeing in people with SUD. The implications of these results show avenues for future research.