Social support for women of reproductive age and its predictors: A population-based study

This was a population-based cross-sectional study with multistage random cluster sampling of 1359 women of reproductive age. Data were collected using questionnaires on sociodemographic factors and perceived social support (PRQ85-Part 2). The relationship between the dependent variable (perceived social support) and the independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics) was analyzed using the multivariable linear regression model.The mean score of social support was 134.3 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 17.9. Women scored highest in the "worth" dimension and lowest in the "social integration" dimension. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that the variables of education, spouse's occupation, Sufficiency of income for expenses and primary support source were significantly related to the perceived social support.Sociodemographic factors affect social support and could be considered in planning interventions to improve social support for Iranian women.