Abstract
BACKGROUND: Social support plays a significant role in maintaining one's health and well-being. A perceived or objective lack of close friendships can indicate loneliness and/or limited social support. The present study aimed to examine the impact of having a close friend on the overall health and psychological well-being (PWB) of women with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: A prospective national study examining factors associated with unemployment in MS enrolled 160 women. As part of an online survey, participants were asked whether they had someone they could confide in. Group comparisons on measures of health, PWB, quality of life (QOL), social support, and marital/partner satisfaction were made between those who said yes and those who said no. Regression analyses were also conducted to determine the role of having a confidant and other lifestyle factors related to health, PWB, and QOL. RESULTS: Approximately 19% of participants reported not having a confidant. These individuals reported worse perceived general, physical, and mental health and more severe depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain. They also reported lower levels of PWB, life satisfaction, social support, and marital/partner satisfaction. Regression analyses revealed that having a confidant was a significant predictor of physical and mental health, PWB, and QOL, even when considering other lifestyle factors. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the simple question Do you have someone to confide in? may be an important indicator of individuals' health and well-being. Practitioners should routinely assess patients' socialization and discuss the importance of social networks and communal activity.