Study of Social Support and Mental Health among Older Women in Iranshahr, Iran

Introduction: The growing trend of aging phenomenon has introduced the necessity of paying attention to perceived social support as an effective factor in promoting mental health of older women. Current literature suggests that the accessibility of appropriate social support can improve mental health and well- being among older women. This study aims to explore social support and mental health among older women, and relationship between in Iranshahr, Iran.   Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Iranshahr, Baluchestan province, Iran. A total of 400 elderly women aged over 65 years were recruited using multistage sampling. The data were collected utilizing Norbeck social support questionnaire (score range from 0 to 20) and general health questionnaires (score range from 0 to 84). Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze study findings.   Results: Average mental health score of the participants was 24.1 (±11. 7), which reflects good mental health. Social functioning of mental health was significantly correlated with social, emotional and financial support. Mental health was also significantly correlated with age (r = 0.4, p ˂ 0.05) and marital status (F = 5.84, p ˂ 0.001).   Conclusion: Our finding suggests that coherent social support can have a significant impact on mental health and social functions of older women, as such, interventions promoting mental health and social needs of elderly women are necessities in the context of Iranian culture.