Life orientation and social support in patients with asthma

Introduction. The level of the sense of coherence (SOC) is an element which explains the relationship between support and health. High
SOC level allows patients to believe that life with its order and predictability has sense, which makes patients appreciate health and functional
independence. Another important resource which directly influences patients’ health is social support. The aim of the study was to
estimate the level of SOC and social support in patients with asthma.

Material and methods. The study included 81 patients of the Pulmonary Function Test Laboratory, Biziel Hospital in Bydgoszcz, and was
conducted between March 2007 and March 2008. The SOC level was assessed using Antonovsky SOC-29 questionnaire and social support
was measured using Kmiecik-Baran scale.

Results. Sense of coherence level is the highest in case of comprehensibility, a bit lower in case of manageability and the lowest in the meaningfulness.
Informational support was most appreciated by the patients with asthma whereas emotional support was the least preferred one.

Conclusions. Sense of coherence level and social support depend on: influence of disease on everyday functioning in personal and
professional life and fear for sudden dyspnea attacks.

Nursing Topics 2010; 18 (3): 304-309