Correlation between Health-related Outcomes and Perceived Social Support in Patients with Mild and Moderate Burns: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Social support is vital for burn patients' recovery, yet research on its correlation with health outcomes has predominantly focused on severe cases, with limited studies on mild to moderate burns, particularly in China. This study aimed to address this gap. A descriptive study was conducted from June to October 2023 with 343 adult patients with mild and moderate burns at the Gansu Provincial Burns Center. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Adult Burn Outcome Questionnaire (ABOQ), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data were analyzed using variance analysis and multiple linear regression. The mean scores for perceived social support and burn outcomes were 67.64 ± 16.84 and 33.54 ± 7.86, respectively. Perceived social support was significantly negatively correlated with overall health-related outcomes (r=−0.20, P < 0.01) and specific domains including physical function, perceived appearance, sexual function, emotion, and family function (all P < 0.05). Higher social support was associated with better outcomes. Although patients with mild and moderate burns reported high levels of perceived social support, their quality of life remained poor. The findings underscore the need for nurses to prioritize these patients, address their physical and emotional needs, and leverage family and social support systems to enhance their quality of life.