Discrepancy in perceived social support and related factors among Chinese college students with and without siblings

Abstract

Background: Whether there is a difference in perceived social support (PSS) and related factors among college students from one- and multiple-child families was unclear.

Methods: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study between October 2017 and February 2018, randomly selected college students with siblings (n=5875; aged 19.41±1.99 years) and their counterparts without siblings (n=5175; aged 19.88±2.38 years), and then conducted an online questionnaire survey via a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. We applied the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) to evaluate PSS among college students. The multivariable logistic regression models were used to predict factors associated with low perceived social support in two student groups.

Results: Our study found that there was a statistical difference of PSS between the sibling groups. Sex, single-parent family, irregular daily routine, prevalence of diseases or injuries and psychological distress were significantly associated with low PSS in both college students with and without siblings. Compared with single-child college students, single-parent family structure was associated with a higher odds ratio for low PSS in college students with siblings (ratio of odds ratio: 0.71, 95% confidential interval: 0.53-0.97).

Limitations: Our study was a cross-sectional study design, and all participants in current study were from Wuhan city, Hubei Province. Hence, the sample is not representative of other regions in China.

Conclusions: Although a statistical difference of PSS between the sibling groups was found in our study, single-parent family structure was more strongly associated with low PSS in multiple-child students compared with single-child students.

Keywords: College students; Influencing factors; One-child family; Perceived social support; Ratio of odds ratios.