Table 1 Network and Personal support indices administered by the ARMHS and HCS at baseline but common to three year follow-up

1

How many close friends do you have? (People that you feel at ease with, can talk to about private matters, and can call on for help) ^{[scored 0-4]}

None

How many persons who live within one hour travelling time from your home do you feel you can depend on or feel very close to (other than members of your own family)? ^{[scored 1-3]}

None

1 or 2

1 - 2 people

3 to 5

More than 2 people

6 to 9

10 +

2

How many relatives do you have that you feel close to? ^{[scored 0-4]}

None

(Other than at work) How many times during the past week did you spend some time with someone who does not live with you? For example, you went to see them or they came to visit you, or you went out together? ^{[scored 1-3]}

None

1 or 2

Once\twice

3 to 5

Three\four\five\ six\seven+

6 to 9

10 +

3

How many of these friends and relatives do you see at least once a month? ^{[scored 0-4]}

None

(Other than at work) How many times did you talk to someone - friends, relatives or others - on the telephone in the past week (either they called you, or you called them)? ^{[scored 1-3]}

None\once

1 or 2

Twice\three\ four\ five

3 to 5

6 to 9

Six seven+

10 +

4

Do you belong to any of these kinds of social groups? a) a social or recreational group; b) a labour union, commercial group, professional organisation; c) a church group; d) a group concerned with children (e.g. boy scouts, patents and friends etc); e) a charity concerned with community betterment, charity, or service; f) any other group. ^{[scored 0-6]}

+1 for each group

(Other than at work) About how often did you go to meetings of social clubs, religious meetings, or other groups that you belong to in the past week? ^{[scored 1-3]}

None\once

Twice\three\ four\ five

Six seven +

5

If something unpleasant or irritating happens and you get upset or angry about it, do you have someone you can go to who isn’t involved and tell them just how you feel? ^{[scored 0-1]}

No

Does it seem that your family and friends (that is, people who are important to you) understand you? ^{[scored 1-3]}

Hardly ever

Yes

Some of the time

Most of the time

6

Is there anyone who lives in or near the district you now live in who knows you very well as a person? (this includes friends as well as family members) ^{[scored 0-1]}

No

Do you feel useful to your family and friends (that is, people who are important to you)? ^{[scored 1-3]}

Hardly ever

Yes

Some of the time

Most of the time

Do you know what is going on with your family and friends? ^{[scored 1-3]}

Hardly ever

7

Is there any particular person you feel you can lean on? ^{[scored 0-1]}

No

Some of the time

Yes

Most of the time

8

Do you feel there is one particular person who feels very close to you? ^{[scored 0-1]}

No

When you are talking with your family and friends, do you feel you are being listened to? ^{[scored 1-3]}

Hardly ever

Yes

Some of the time

9

When you are happy, is there any particular person you can share it with, someone whom you feel sure will feel happy simply because you are? ^{[scored 0-1]}

No

Most of the time

Yes

Do you feel you have a definite role (place) in your family and among your friends? ^{[scored 1-3]}

Hardly ever

Some of the time

Most of the time

10

At present, do you have someone you can share your most private feelings with (confide in)? ^{[scored 0-1]}

No

Can you talk about your deepest problems with at least some of your family and friends? ^{[scored 1-3]}

Hardly ever

Yes

Some of the time

Most of the time

How satisfied are you with the kinds of relationships you have with your family and friends? ^{[scored 1-3]}

Very dissatisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied

Satisfied