病者のピア・サポートの実態と精神的健康との関連―オストメイトを対象に

Peer Support among Patients and Its Relationship with Mental Health：Survey on the Ostomates

要旨

　本研究は，病者のピア・サポートの実態を明らかにし，病者のピア・サポートと精神的健康との関連を実証することを目的とした．中四国のオストミー協会7支部会員計862人に，アンケート調査を行い，回答の得られた499部（回収率57.9％）を分析対象とした．

　病者のピア・サポートは，「サポート提供」，「情緒的サポート受容」，「情報的サポート受容」の3因子で構成され，具体的なピア・サポートは，病者の‘同病者を支える役割意識’，‘闘病への励み’，‘客観的な病状認識’，‘共感’に関するものが多く，同病者と病の体験を共有することの重要性が示唆された．

　病者のピア・サポートと精神的健康との関連に関しては，ピアからのサポートを多く受けている者のほうが，より抑うつが軽減され，現状満足感，存在価値，意欲を感じていることが明らかとなり，病者の精神的健康に良い影響を与えることが実証された．

Abstract

　This study describes the current status of peer support among patients and examines the relationship between peer support and patients' mental health. Self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 862 patients who were members of the Japan Ostomy Association. Responses from 499 of these patients were analyzed.

　Analysis of the questionnaire responses indicated that peer support among patients was categorized according to the following 3 factors: “giving support,” “receiving emotional support,” and “receiving informational support.” Many patients' responses identified the following contents of peer support: ‘recognition of the role of peer supporter,’ ‘encouragement to fight against the disease,’ ‘maintenance of an objective perception of their medical condition,’ and ‘empathy.’ Multiple regression analysis revealed that patients with high peer support were less depressed, more satisfied, perceived that their existence has meaning, and felt motivated.