Correlation between Social Support and Lifestyle Components in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Background and purpose: Social support is an important feature that can play a major role in creating, maintaining, and promoting health in addition to neutralizing and influencing stressors. Therefore, social factors affecting health are of great importance. This study aimed at investigating the correlation between social support and lifestyle components in patients with myocardial infarction. Materials and methods: We performed a descriptive/analytical cross-sectional study in patients (n=176) with myocardial infarction in 2019. Patients were selected by purposive and convenience sampling. The Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) and Social Support Appraisals Scale (SS-A) were administered and data were collected via direct interviews and patients’ records. Results: The mean scores for social support and lifestyle were 18.32 ± 0.31 and 147.47 ±7.01, respectively. The study showed that social support was significantly associated with physical activity (r = 0.31, P <0.001), spiritual growth (r = 0.29, P <0.001), and impersonal communication (r = 0.26, P <0.001). Conclusion: Social support especially in patients with heart disease can affect interpersonal communication, spiritual growth, and physical activity. So, families, friends, and health care providers should support patients as much as possible.