The mental well-being of elderly patients is a critical aspect of their overall health, especially as they face challenges such as chronic illness, social isolation, and cognitive decline (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Social support, which encompasses emotional, informational, and instrumental assistance from family, friends, and healthcare providers, has been shown to have a significant impact on the mental health and quality of life of elderly individuals (Adepoju et al., 2024). In healthcare settings, where elderly patients are often exposed to prolonged hospital stays and treatments, the role of social support becomes even more crucial in mitigating feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness (Bello & Musa, 2024).
In Kaduna State, where many elderly patients suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis, the mental well-being of these individuals remains a growing concern. Although healthcare facilities in Kaduna State have made progress in physical healthcare delivery, there is limited research on how social support affects the mental health outcomes of elderly patients. Given the cultural significance of family and community in Nigerian society, it is essential to investigate the role of social support in enhancing the mental well-being of elderly patients in specialized hospitals (Oladele & Yusuf, 2024).
This study aims to explore the effect of social support on the mental well-being of elderly patients in Kaduna State specialist hospitals and assess the different dimensions of support that contribute to better mental health outcomes.
Despite the known benefits of social support for the mental health of elderly patients, many elderly individuals in Kaduna State hospitals experience feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety due to limited family presence and inadequate community engagement (Ibrahim & Hassan, 2024). The lack of a structured social support system within hospitals often exacerbates these issues, potentially leading to poorer recovery outcomes and a decreased quality of life for elderly patients (Muhammad et al., 2024).
Understanding the impact of social support on the mental well-being of elderly patients can inform the development of comprehensive care plans that integrate social support services into hospital settings. This study seeks to identify how various forms of social support affect the mental well-being of elderly patients in Kaduna State specialist hospitals and propose interventions to improve patient outcomes.
This study will focus on elderly patients receiving care in specialist hospitals in Kaduna State. Limitations may include variations in the availability of social support across different hospitals and potential biases in self-reported data.
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