Exploring perceived social support in family caregivers of children with medical complexity

INTRODUCTION: The purpose was to describe the relationship between family caregivers of children with medical complexity (CMC) perceived social support (PSS), social determinants of health (SDoH), and child medical complexity. 

METHOD: A cross-sectional, correlational study was completed at a pediatric academic medical center. The Social Provisions Scale and Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients' Assets, Risks, and Experiences Tool measured PSS and SDoH risk, respectively. Child complexity was determined through medical record review and survey data. Analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression. 

RESULTS: Ninety-one caregivers were included. PSS was negatively associated with SDoH risk (r = -0.418, p < .001). Caregiver stress, male gender, and SDoH risk were significant predictors of PSS, but the child's medical complexity was not. 

DISCUSSION: This study enhanced the understanding of PSS in CMC family caregivers, highlighting the need for assessing SDoH risk when planning care. Increasing social support may mitigate negative impacts from stress and SDoH risk.