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Addiction Science & Clinical Practice
Published in: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Perceived family cohesion, social support, and quality of life in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders compared with patients with mental and physical disorders

Authors: Bente Birkeland, Bente Weimand, Torleif Ruud, Darryl Maybery, John-Kåre Vederhus

Published in: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Purpose

Support from family and other social network elements can be important in helping patients to cope with practical and emotional consequences of diseases. The aim of the study was to examine perception of family and social support and quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). We compared them with patients in treatment for mental disorders (MDs) and physical disorders (PDs).

Methods

We used data from a national multicenter study that recruited patients (N  =  518) from three treatment domains; SUD treatment units, MD treatment units, and PD treatment units (severe neurological conditions or cancer). Data on family cohesion, social support, and QoL were compared across patient groups. In addition, data on health variables was collected. We used a multiple linear regression procedure to examine how health and support variables were associated with QoL.

Results

Family cohesion and social support in the SUD and MD groups were rated at similarly low levels, substantially lower than in the PD group. The SUD group exhibited a somewhat lower QoL than did the PD group, but their QoL was still in the near-to-normal range. In contrast, the MD group had markedly low QoL. When examining factors associated with QoL, we found that greater family cohesion and social support were positively associated with QoL. Mental distress was the strongest factor, and was negatively associated with QoL (beta − 0.15, 95% CI  =  − 0.17/− 0.14, p  <  0.001).

Conclusion

Service providers need to be aware of the weaker networks and less regulatory family and/or social support available to patients with SUDs. Providers should focus consistently on the social networks of patients and include patients’ families in treatment processes.
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Metadata
Title
Perceived family cohesion, social support, and quality of life in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders compared with patients with mental and physical disorders
Authors
Bente Birkeland
Bente Weimand
Torleif Ruud
Darryl Maybery
John-Kåre Vederhus
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Addiction Science & Clinical Practice / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1940-0640
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-021-00252-8

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