The role of support in influencing outcome of end-stage renal disease.

An important part of health behavior variability is a supportive environment. This paper examines the concept and discusses its application to a general and geriatric home dialysis population. Social environment is analyzed along three interrelated dimensions: social support, social integration, and social network. The authors conclude that a multimethod approach for assessing environmental support is preferred over a single-item index. Furthermore, a supportive interpersonal environment is important for patients and family, both as a preventive agent and as a protective buffer against the impact of ESRD related stress.