Family economic pressure and health outcomes in low-income Francistown, Botswana: the reverse buffering role of social support

Abstract

This study explores and describes the relationships between family economic pressure, social support and health-related quality of life for low-income urban residents in Francistown, Botswana and examines the moderating role of social support. Several studies of social support and quality of life have been done, but none have so far explored the relationship among the three variables. Selected concepts from stress theory are used as a conceptual framework. An explanatory correlational research design was used in this cross-sectional study to explore the relationships among the study variables. Data were collected from 388 residents of low-income urban residents in Francistown, Botswana. Using multiple regression models, the results show that the availability of social support was associated with better physical and psychological health and levels of independence. Consistent with previous research, people with high family economic pressure exhibited significantly poorer health status across all domains. Hierarchical multiple-regression analyses were conducted to examine the relative influence of social support on health status. These preliminary results underscore the importance of considering family factors in designing interventions in low-income urban communities. Key words: family economic pressure, social support, health status, Botswana Journal of Social Development in Africa Vol.20(1) 2005: 106-127