DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0b013e318208f576

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PMID: 21263350

Issn Print: 0196-206X

Publication Date: 2011/04/01


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Perceived Social Support and Its Association With Obesity-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life

Michele Herzer; Meg H. Zeller; Joseph R. Rausch; Avani C. Modi

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Abstract

Objective:

To (1) describe type and source of social support perceived by obese youth and examine associations with sociodemographic/anthropometric characteristics, and (2) examine relationships between social support and obesity-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods:

Seventy-four obese youth and their primary caregivers participated. Youth completed the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale and an obesity-specific HRQOL measure, Sizing Me Up.

Results:

Close friends and parents provided the most social support and were rated most important, except for teacher informational support. Classmates and schools provided the least social support. Body mass index z-score was correlated with teacher support frequency (r = −.26, p < .05) and minority youth reported more parent support (t(72) = −2.21, p < .05). Compared with other support providers, classmate support significantly predicted most HRQOL scales (p < .001).

Conclusions:

Close friends, parents, and teachers are significant sources of support to youth with obesity; however, classmates play a unique role in the HRQOL of obese youth.

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