dc.description.abstract | Aim: The well-being of healthcare workers is a critical indicator in the provision
of high-quality care. Although researchers have stressed the importance of social
interactions and social support, scarce data exist about their effects on healthcare
workers’ well-being. In this study, we aim to advance the research on the relationships
between social network diversity (SND), social support, and thriving.
Methods: In a cross-sectional design, an anonymous online link was shared
among healthcare workers in a university hospital. The survey included questions
on demographics, medical diseases, items from the social network index, the
multidimensional perceived social support scale, and the brief and comprehensive
inventories of thriving scales.
Results: A total of 103 individuals participated in the study (median age, min-max=33
(18-57); male/female = 33/70). Men and women did not differ in SND, perceived
social support, or thriving scores. The brief inventory of thriving demonstrated
healthcare workers older than 38 years exhibited higher scores in thriving compared
to those younger than 27 years (p=0.001). According to comprehensive inventory
of thriving, belonging (p=0.032), skills (p=0.006), self-worth (p=0.048), meaning and
purpose (p<0.001), optimism (p=0.009), life-satisfaction (p=0.012), and positive
emotions (p=0.042) differed by age groups. SND (r=.56, p<0.001) and perceived
social support (r=.53, p<0.001) were positively correlated with thriving. After adjusting
for potential confounders, SND, perceived social support, and age accounted for 46%
of the total effects on thriving.
Conclusion: This study expands on the literature and provides evidence that by
increasing the diversity of social networks and improving the quality and functionality
of social support, a significant and positive impact on HCWs’ well-being may be
achieved | en_US |