Application of Social Support System in the Rehabilitation of Vagrants and Beggars with Mental Illness

Objective:Analyze the specific role of social support in vagrants and beggars with mental illness.Methods:80 patients with vagrant psychosis admitted into our hospital from April 2020 to April 2021 were randomly selected.The patients were treated for more than 6 months.The patients were randomly divided into two groups by drawing lots,with 40 cases in each group.The control group received routine nursing,and the observation group received routine nursing along with social support.The objective support,subjective support,and the utilization of support,which were combined into total social support of the two groups were compared after different nursing interventions.Results:After different nursing interventions,through the comparison of social support scale,the scores of objective support,subjective support,and utilization of support,and the total social support in the observation group were higher than the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of social support system and while providing routine nursing among vagrants and beggars with psychosis can effectively improve their mental status,make them feel more valued and supported,and help improve their mental health and quality of life.

Mediating role of social support in dysphoria,despondency,and quality of life in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUND Dysphoria and despondency are prevalent psychological issues in patients undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis(MHD)that significantly affect their quality of life(QOL).High levels of social support can significantly improve the physical and mental well-being of patients undergoing MHD.Currently,there is limited research on how social support mediates the relationship between dysphoria,despondency,and overall QOL in patients undergoing MHD.It is imperative to investigate this mediating effect to mitigate dysphoria and despondency in patients undergoing MHD,ultimately enhancing their overall QOL.AIM To investigate the mediating role of social support in relationships between dysphoria,despondency,and QOL among patients undergoing MHD.METHODS Participants comprised 289 patients undergoing MHD,who were selected using a random sampling approach.The Social Support Rating Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and QOL Scale were administered.Correlation analysis was performed to examine the associations between social support,dysphoria,despondency,and QOL in patients undergoing MHD.To assess the mediating impact of social support on dysphoria,despondency,and QOL in patients undergoing MHD,a bootstrap method was applied.RESULTS Significant correlations among social support,dysphoria,despondency,and quality in patients undergoing MHD were observed(all P<0.01).Dysphoria and despondency negatively correlated with social support and QOL(P<0.01).Dysphoria and despondency had negative predictive impacts on the QOL of patients undergoing MHD(P<0.05).The direct effect of dysphoria on QOL was statistically significant(P<0.05).Social support mediated the relationship between dysphoria and QOL,and this mediating effect was significant(P<0.05).Similarly,the direct effect of despondency on QOL was significant(P<0.05).Moreover,social support played a mediating role between despondency and QOL,with a significant mediating effect(P<0.05).CONCLUSION These findings suggest that social support plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between dysphoria,despondency,and QOL in patients undergoing MHD.

Psychosocial Group Intervention at a Low-Resource Setting Environment for Women Who Are Diagnosed and Treated for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Africa faces significant challenges in terms of material and personnel resources for oncology interventions. This is particularly evident in South Africa, where resources are divided into high- and low-resource settings. High-resource settings cater to those with financial means to access private oncology facilities. However, many breast cancer patients receive care in South Africa’s low-resource settings, such as public hospital oncology clinics. Unfortunately, these settings have limited service providers and fail to offer comprehensive interventions, resulting in poor outcomes. However, recent research has highlighted the significance of socially supportive relationships in promoting healing and overall individual well-being, and spirituality has been identified as a source of positive outcomes in cancer patients. This systematic review paper explores the feasibility of implementing support group cancer care and interventions that incorporate social support networks available in community settings, and spiritual practices facilitated by traditional healers, and religious/spiritual leaders. These interventions can be provided within low-resource settings to women diagnosed with breast cancer. Inclusive participation of spouses, children, and extended family in the support group cancer care can facilitate healing for the entire system. Focusing on the strengths and resources within communities and incorporating these complementary services, can enhance the well-being and quality of life for Black African women diagnosed with breast cancer, despite low-resource settings. This approach acknowledges the potential of community-based support networks and encourages collaboration between various stakeholders, including community health educators, nurses, lay counselors, and community volunteers, to address the complex needs of these patients.

The Relationship between Mental Health Literacy and Subjective Well-Being of Young and Middle-Aged Residents: Perceived the Mediating Role of Social Support and Its Urban-Rural Differences

This study investigates mental health literacy among young and middle-aged urban and rural residents and the differences in mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being.From January to February 2022,620 participants(320 rural and 300 urban residents)from three provinces of China were selected by con-venience sampling.A general data questionnaire,mental health literacy scale,perceived social support scale and subjective well-being scale were administered.The mental health literacy scores of urban residents were 3.34±0.57 and those of rural residents were 2.73±0.79.The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the mental health literacy scores of rural residents were more significant than those of urban residents in terms of sex and age,while urban residents’mental health literacy scores were more significant than those of rural resi-dents in terms of monthly income.Mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being of young and middle-aged urban and rural residents were all positively correlated(P<0.01).While the level of mental health literacy is better among urban residents than rural residents,perceived social support plays a partial mediating role between mental health literacy and subjective well-being of both urban and rural residents,and should be the focus of researchers seeking to improve the level of well-being of residents.

Preventing Health Anxiety:The Role of Self-Evaluation,Sense of Coherence,Self-Rated Health and Perceived Social Support

Background:Components of Self,completed with the perceived social support determine the individual differences in theevaluation of a stressor and the behavioral responses toward it,such as health-related anxiety.The study set as a goal theanalysis of associations between the components of Self,such as self-evaluation,sense of coherence,perceived social support,and reported health-related anxiety in an adult sample.Methods:147 adults from the 18–73 age group(mean age 37.5)voluntarily completed the questionnaire through Qualtrics online platform containing the Short Health Anxiety Inventory,Core Self-Evaluation Scale,Social Support Assessing Scale,and one Health Self-Evaluation Item.Results:ANOVA foundrelevant differences in total scores and subscales’scores of the health anxiety scale depending on the positive self-evaluation.Linear regression shows that the analyzed variables were responsible for the prediction of a higher value on the“Perceivedprobability of becoming ill”subscale in a proportion of 45.6%and for the“Perceived consequence of illness”subscale in aproportion of 20.2%The predictive value of the linear regression model for the total score on the health anxiety scale was46.3%.Our findings show that negative Core Self-Evaluation is linked with perceived health anxiety.Conclusions:Selfevaluation,sense of coherence and perceived social support influence the perceived health and can explain the differences inthe reported health-related anxiety.

The Relationship between Rural Left-Behind Children’s Physical Activity and Hope:The Mediating Effects of Perceived Social Support

It has been confirmed in previous studies that there is a positive correlation between physical activity and hope.In this study,rural left-behind children in China was taken as the participants to investigate the impact of physical activity on hope in rural left-behind children and examine the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between physical activity and hope.797 valid copies of the questionnaire were collected from China.Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between physical activity and hope;SEM and Bootstrap were used to test the mediating effect of perceived social support.The results show that physical activity can not only directly and positively predict the level of hope in rural leftbehind children but can also predict the level of hope through perceived social support;perceived social support plays a mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and hope.These results highlight the necessity to pay more attention to the physical activity of left-behind children and the possibility to improve the level of hope by increasing their physical activity;at the same time,the acquisition of more material,emotional and psychological support from teachers and guardians is more conducive to improving the sense of hope in left-behind children.These findings can deepen the understanding of the sense of hope in left-behind children,and provide new methods for and enlightenments on improving the level of hope in left-behind children.

Relationship between Moral Elevation and Prosocial Behavior among College Students: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support and Moderating Role of Moral Identity

Objectives:The present study examined the relationship between college students’moral elevation and prosocial behavior.As well as the mediating role of perceived social support and the moderating role of moral identity.Methods:A sample of 489 college students were recruited for the study.They were asked to complete a series of questionnaires,including Moral Elevation Scale(MES),Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS),Moral Identity Scale(MIS)and Prosocial Tendency Measure(PTM).As part of the data analysis,we used correlation analysis and the method of constructing latent variable structural equation model to explore the mechanism of action among variables.Results:After controlling for gender,discipline,the research found that:(1)Moral elevation positively predicted the prosocial behavior among the college students;(2)Perceived social support mediated the relationship between moral elevation and prosocial behavior;(3)Moral identity moderated the second half of the model(i.e.,the link between perceived social support and prosocial behavior).Specifically,the mediating effect of perceived social support was stronger for college students with high-level moral identity compared to those with low-level moral identity.Conclusions:Moral identity significantly moderates the mediating effect of perceived social support,and the mediating model with moderated is established.

Effect of Family Cohesion on Depression of Chinese College Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Chain Mediation Effect of Perceived Social Support and Intentional Self-Regulation

Individuals’perceptions,attitudes,and patterns of getting along with family members are important factors influencing Chinese people’s self-evaluation.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of family cohesion on depression and the role of perceived social support and intentional self-regulation in this association.A hypothesized model of the association of family cohesion,perceived social support,intentional self-regulation,and depression was examined.A convenience sampling method was used to survey 1,180 college students in Yunnan Province using self-report.Data were collected using the Family Cohesion Scale,the Perceived Social Support Scale,the Intentional Self-Regulation Scale,and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.The findings revealed low to moderate correlation between the variables studied.College students’family cohesion was a negative predictor of their depression.This association was also mediated by the knock-on effect of perceived social support and intentional self-regulation.These findings show how family cohesion affects college students’depressive status.Specifically,these results help demonstrate the importance of family cohesion,perceived social support,and intentional self-regulation in optimizing students’depression,which in turn can promote better psychological states.

Gender Differences in the Incidence and Related Factors of Low Social Support among Adolescents with Subthreshold Depression

Background:Social support is related to depression,but the gender differences and related factors that contribute to low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression remain to be elucidated.This study explores the relationship between social support and depression,in addition to the gender difference in the incidence of low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression and its related factors.Methods:A total of 371 Chinese adolescents with subthreshold depression were recruited.All subjects were rated on the Social Support Scale for Adolescents,the Response Style Scale,the Self-Perception Profile for Children,the Individualism-collectivism scale.Results:Binary logistic regression indicated that the stability dimension of cognitive style,the generality dimension of the Cognitive Style Questionnaire,and the social acceptance dimension of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale were significantly correlated with social support level in male adolescents with subthreshold depression.In contrast,the total score of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale,the social acceptance of the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale,total individualism,and total collectivism were significantly correlated with social support level in female adolescents with subthreshold depression.Limitations:This study is a cross-sectional study,and its effectiveness in explaining factors that influence levels of social support is limited.Conclusions:The gender difference between low social support among adolescents with subthreshold depression is related to cognitive style,self-perception,and collectivism–individualism.

Relationship between perceived social support and post-traumatic growth in coronavirus disease 2019 patients discharged from the hospital

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has affected mental health and physical health negatively in some individuals.Examining perceived social support and post-traumatic growth(PTG)in COVID-19 patients could facilitate our understanding of how patients maintain their mental health.AIM To examine the relationship between the level of perceived social support and PTG in COVID-19 patients discharged from the hospital.METHODS This descriptive study was carried out between August and September 2022 with patients who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 in a university hospital in Erzurum and who were discharged at least 3 mo prior to the beginning of the study.The study was completed by 196 patients.Study data were collected faceto-face using a personal information form,multidimensional scale of perceived social support and PTG inventory.RESULTS The total mean score of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support was 63.82±15.72.The PTG inventory total mean score was 47.77±19.85.In addition,a direct significant correlation was found between perceived social support in COVID-19 patients and PTG.CONCLUSION The study results showed that perceived social support variables affected PTG significantly.Therefore,it is recommended for healthcare professionals to implement interventions to promote social support from healthcare professionals and the patient’s family and friends.Considering the negative effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,it is very important and necessary to implement effective public health interventions to promote PTG to reduce mental health problems.

Relationship between primary caregivers’social support function,anxiety,and depression after interventional therapy for acute myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND An acute myocardial infarction(AMI)is often treated with direct coronary intervention and requires home-based rehabilitation.Caregivers of patients with AMI need adequate social support to maintain high-quality care;however,their social support function is low,and relevant indicators for intervention must be identified.AIM To analyze the correlation between social support for primary caregivers,their anxiety,and depression,when caring for patients with AMI after interventional therapy.METHODS Using convenience sampling,we selected 300 primary caregivers of patients with AMI who had undergone interventional therapy.The Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)were used to assess the primary caregivers.A Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between the SSRS,SAS,and SDS,and a multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the low social support function of primary caregivers.The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the SAS and SDS for low social support function in primary caregivers.RESULTS Considering the norm among Chinese people,AMI caregivers’objective support,subjective support,support utilization,and SSRS scores were lower,while their SAS and SDS scores were higher.The SSRS scores of female caregivers were higher than those of the male caregivers(t=2.123,P=0.035).The Pearson correlation analysis showed that objective support,subjective support,support utilization,and SSRS total scores were significantly correlated with both SAS(r=-0.414,-0.460,-0.416,-0.535)and SDS scores(r=-0.463,-0.379,-0.349,-0.472).Among the 300 AMI caregivers,56 cases(18.67%)had a low level of support function(SSRS≤22 points).Logistic regression model analysis showed that SAS and SDS were independent risk factors for low social support function of AMI caregivers,regardless of adjustment for other variables(P<0.05).SAS and SDS predicted that the AUC of AMI caregivers with low support function was 0.84,sensitivity was 67.9 and 71.4,and specificity was 84.0 and 70.9,respectively.CONCLUSION The social support function of the primary caregiver of patients with AMI after interventional therapy was lower and negatively correlated with anxiety and depression in the primary caregiver.

A Clinical Investigation: Study on Psychosocial Characteristics, Social Support and Intervention Strategies of Outpatient Cancer Pain Patients

Background and Objective: The presence of pain in cancer patients is a prevalent concomitant symptom, exerting significant impacts on their physical, psychological, and social functioning. However, the psychological and social aspects are often overlooked. This study aims to explore the factors influencing the provision of psychological and social support for patients experiencing cancer-related pain while proposing intervention measures to enhance treatment compliance, confidence levels, and overall quality of life. Materials and Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 108 patients with moderate to severe advanced cancer pain who had received outpatient analgesia treatment for at least one month were selected as the study subjects. The psychological characteristics and social support of these patients were further examined using the Self-Rating Symptom Scale (SCL-90) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). The influencing factors were compared with the national norms. Results: The total score of SCL-90 was significantly different from that of the domestic norm (P < 0.05), and the total score of social support was significantly different from that of the domestic norm (P < 0.01). In addition to hostile symptoms, Somatic, obsessive, sensitive, depression, anxiety, terror, paranoia, psychosis and other symptoms were correlated with subjective support (P 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with cancer pain are more vulnerable to physical symptoms, psychological distress, lack of social support, and other contributing factors. Implementing standardized treatment protocols can effectively alleviate physical symptoms while also emphasizing the importance of psychosocial interventions to address negative emotions and enhance social support. By bolstering patient confidence through these measures, we can ultimately improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ overall quality of life.

A systematic review of the relationships among psychosocial factors and coping in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus contributes to poor health outcomes including mortality,yet there is a gap in the literature when seeking to understand the influence of psychosocial factors on coping in this population.The paper presents a systematic review of quantitative studies that examined relationships among psychosocial determinants and coping in adults with type 2 diabetes.This review is the second layer of knowledge discovery for the concept,"Taking on a life-altering change is a rhythmical journey of experiencing ups and downs on the way to acceptance." The life-altering change was determined to be a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes,the journey is the ups and downs of coping with the diagnosis as people work toward acceptance of type 2 diabetes.The review includes a synthesis of findings from 22 quantitative studies of psychosocial factors and coping in adults with type 2 diabetes.Anxiety,depression,stress,and diabetes distress were identified as key influential psychosocial factors.Increased social support was inversely related to emotional distress and coping styles were related to social well-being,psychological health,and physical health outcomes.The positive coping style of problem-focused coping was linked to improved psychological and physical health.Emotional responses to diagnosis were related to depression and anxiety.Negative coping styles of resignation,protest,or isolation were higher in women and linked to poorer quality of life,while avoidance was linked to increased diabetes-related distress and depressive symptoms.

Predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants: The role of stress, self-efficacy and perceived social support

Objective:To determine the predictive role of stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support on readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.Methods:The present cross-sectional,descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 mothers of preterm infants admitted to hospitals affiliated to Lorestan University of Medical Sciences,Iran in 2019.Participants were selected by a convenience sampling method and based on inclusion criteria.Data collection tools included the demographic questionnaire of mothers and infants,parent perceptions of their child's hospital discharge,parental stressor scale:neonatal intensive care unit,perceived maternal parenting,and multidimensional scale of perceived social support.Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression at the significance level of 0.05.Results:Infant behavior and appearance,situational belief,and family support achieved the highest mean score from parents'stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support dimensions,respectively.There was a significant relationship between stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support with readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants(P<0.001).The score of mothers'readiness for discharge decreased by 0.07 per 1-point increase in stress score,and the score of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants rose by 0.35 and 0.43,respectively,for a unit increase in the scores of self-efficacy and perceived social support.Conclusions:Stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support can be considered as predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.It is suggested that nurses in neonatal intensive care units provide a better platform for the readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants by reducing stressors and increasing maternal self-efficacy and social support.

Social Support and Adolescents’ Alcohol Use: An Integrative Literature Review

The trajectories at treatment of alcohol use and abuse among adolescents have become a major health concern. The purpose of this paper was to discuss alcohol use and abuse among adolescents and its relationship to social support. Integrative review has been utilized to address the issue. There is a presentation of findings from research examining social support concepts and their relationship to adolescents’ alcohol use and abuse. Treatment requires awareness of underlying causes in order to establish effective treatment approaches. Determining these underlying causes requires adequate knowledge of family, peers, and societal influences on adolescents’ alcohol use and abuse. Health professionals across disciplines have an important role in implementing multidisciplinary interventions. The purpose of this paper was to discuss alcohol use and abuse among adolescents and its relationship to social support. Results, controversies and concerns raised by the reported results are addressed. Implications for future research are delineated.

Characteristics and Social Support Needs Predicting Anticipatory Grief in the Spouses of Patients with Cancer at the End of Life

Background: Medical staff provide care to spouses of terminal cancer patients through trial and error by meeting their various support needs and spousal factors regarding their anticipatory grief. Studies on the association between spousal characteristics and anticipatory grief have been inconclusive;additionally, there has been insufficient research on support needs for anticipatory grief of spouses. This study aimed to explore the spousal characteristics and social support needs predicting anticipatory grief in spouses of patients with cancer at the end of life. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Eligible spouses (n = 102) completed a self-report questionnaire in two hospitals with palliative care units in Japan. The questionnaire included demographic information, a tool assessing social support needs of spouses, and the Anticipatory Grief Scale for Family Caregivers. Results: Simple regression analyses indicated that patient age, chemotherapy, no treatment, ECOG PS3, children aged under 20 years, total score of “social support needs regarding the disease and treatment of the patients” and subscale scores (“medical condition and cure,” “daily life and social support,” and “intimacy and employment”), and total score of “social support needs of the spouses” and subscale scores (“family psychological issues and social support” and “intimacy, employment, and society”) were significant variables (all p p Conclusions: Patients having no experience of “chemotherapy” and higher “social support needs of the spouses” in Model 1, and greater spousal needs of “family psychological issues and social support” in Model 2 were significant predictors of severe anticipatory grief. Medical staff should pay attention to these risk factors that predict anticipatory grief among spouses.

Correlation of long-term medication behaviour self-efficacy with social support and medication knowledge of kidney transplant recipients

Aim:This study aimed to explore the correlation of long-term medication behaviour self-efficacy with social support and medication knowledge of kidney transplant recipients.Methods:A convenient sample of kidney transplant recipients in a general hospital in Guangzhou was recruited from November 2016 to January 2017.Self-reported survey data were provided by the kidney transplant recipients using long-term medication behaviour self-efficacy scale(LTMBSES),perceived social support scale(PSSS)and scale for patient-perceived medication knowledge in medication usage.Descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for data analysis.Results:A total of 195 kidney transplant recipients(132 men and 63 women)were recruited for this study.The mean scores of all LTMBSES dimensions,namely personal attitudes,environmental and taskrelated and behavioural factors,were 32.49±4.34,60.90±7.56 and 32.32±4.40,respectively.The mean scores of three PSSS dimensions,namely,family,friends and significant others,were 24.91±3.42,22.71±4.66 and 22.15±4.26,correspondingly.The mean scores of two five-item knowledge subscale dimensions,namely,general and interaction knowledge,were 9.56±1.07 and 13.02±2.67,respectively.Spearman's correlation analysis showed that social support(rs=0.232,P<0.01)and medication knowledge(rs=0.352,P<0.01)were positively associated with long-term medication self-efficacy in the kidney transplant recipients.Conclusion:The levels of long-term medication self-efficacy,perceived social support and medication knowledge of the kidney transplant recipients were high.Social support and medication knowledge were correlated with self-efficacy.

Community Workers’Social Support and Sleep Quality during the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19):A Moderated Mediation Model

To explore the relationship between social support and sleep quality of community workers in Wuhan during the coronavirus disease 2019(the COVID-19 infection epidemic),this research constructed a mediating effect model to explore the mediating psychological mechanism of social support influencing sleep quality of front-line community workers.A total of 500 front-line community workers in Wuhan were investigated.We used the perceived social support scale(PSSS),the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC),the perceived stress scale(PSS),and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)to measure social support,psychological resilience,perceived stress and sleep quality.Specifically,the higher the PSQI,the worse the sleep quality.Pearson correlation structural equation model was used to analyze the relationship between these factors.The results showed that:(1)There was a significant negative correlation between social support,psychological resilience,and perceived stress of community workers and PSQI,that means,the higher the level of social support,psychological resilience,and perceived stress,the higher the sleep quality.(2)Social support positively predicted psychological resilience and perceived stress,and perceived stress negatively predicted PSQI.(3)Social support can affect sleep quality through the mediating role of psychological resilience and perceived stress,and the mediating role includes two paths:the single mediating role of perceived stress and the chain mediating role of psychological resilience-perceived stress.(4)Gender moderates the relation-ship between social support and perceived stress,and the influence of social support on perceived stress of women is higher than that of men.Gender moderates the relationship between psychological resilience and PSQI,and only women’s psychological resilience had a negatively predictive effect on PSQI,while men did not,which means that psychological resilience of female frontline community workers can positively predict sleep quality.This research reveals the relationship between social support and sleep quality and its mechanism and verifies that social support can indirectly affect physical health through psychological resilience and perceived stress.It provides reference suggestions and intervention guidance for improving the sleep quality of community workers.

Relationships between perceived social support and retention patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment in China mainland

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between perceived social support and retention in Chinese mainland patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment(MMT).Methods: This was a cross-sectional two-year follow-up study. The data collected included patients' baseline characteristics, perceived social support and retention in MMT.Results: A total of 1212 patients completed the cross-sectional survey; 809(66.7%) had good perceived social support and 458(37.8%) had experienced readmissions. With and without controlling for baseline characteristics, past retention had no significant influence on perceived social support. By the end of the follow-up, 527(43.5%) patients had terminated MMT. The patients without good perceived social support were more likely to terminate treatment than those with good perceived social support [hazard ratio:1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 1.57; 1.25(1.04, 1.51)] regardless of their baseline characteristics and past retention.Conclusions: Retention, thus, had no significant influence on perceived social support in MMT, whereas good perceived social support was a strong protective predictor of retention.