Validation of the Colombian MOS social support survey

Abstract

Perceived social support is considered to be a variable of great importance in the health – disease continuum. Perceived social support refers to one’s confidence that social support or resources are available if needed. The objectives of this research study were to (1) translate and culturally adapt the Medical Outcomes Study – Social Support Survey (MOS; Sherbourne y Stewart, 1991) for the Colombian population, and (2) validate the Colombian version of the MOS. The survey instrument measures perceived social support and was developed for a study of outcomes in patients with chronic disease. The sample consisted of 179 participants (36.7% men and 63.3% women), mean age 38.4 (SD =15.2, range 17 to 86 years) recruited from different cities in Colombia. The results indicated a favorable Cronbach's alpha between components ranging from .921 to .736. A confirmatory analysis was conducted, obtaining a favorable structure for both 4 and 3 factors.