Research Paper: The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Self-Esteem in Patients With Epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is a neurologic functional disorder occurs due to the abnormal electrical discharge in neurons of the brain.  Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the relationship between perceived social support and self-esteem in patients with epilepsy referring to Kashani Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Materials & Methods: The present cross sectional, correlational study was conducted on 211 patients with epilepsy, referring to Kashani Hospital in Isfahan from 2017 to 2018, selected through a consecutive sampling method according to the inclusion criteria. The data collection instruments used in the current study were self-esteem and social support questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical inference with SPSS V. 23. In addition, multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient were employed. Results: The results of multiple regression analysis showed that social support dimensions including spouse (F=44.88), family members (F=47.64), friends (F=31.57), physician (35.28), and nurse (F=44.25) have a significant effect on self-esteem (P<0.05). Conclusion: Effective support from spouse, family members, friends, physician, and nurse can increase the self-esteem of patients with epilepsy.