Getting to the heart of social support: a qualitative analysis of the types of instrumental support that are most helpful in motivating cardiac risk factor modification.

Purpose: This study evaluates the types of instrumental social support that are perceived by patients with coronary artery disease as being most helpful to health behavior modification.

Methods: A purposive sample of 63 patients with coronary artery disease were enrolled in this qualitative study. Patients described lifestyle changes that they made in an effort to stay healthy and the types of instrumental supports provided by their social networks that helped them make these changes.

Results: The most frequently cited lifestyle changes reported were making dietary changes, reducing responsibilities, keeping doctors' appointments, taking medications, and exercising more. The types of instrumental support that were perceived as being most helpful in making these changes were those that (1) made it easier and practical to engage in healthy behaviors, (2) alleviated stressful situations, and (3) facilitated the process of receiving medical care.

Conclusions: These findings identify practical ways in which social networks can promote risk factor modification and ultimately contribute to improving coronary artery disease outcomes.