Social support was measured by two

Social support was measured by two questions. Its structural aspect was measured using the question: ‘Do you have one or more close people with whom you can discuss confidentially all or nearly all of your problems? (1) yes, always or almost always when I need it, (2) sometimes in some matters, (3) not usually or not in that many matters or (4) no, I cannot almost ever discuss my problems’. Categories 2–4 were combined as poor social support (13% of re- spondents). The cognitive aspect of social support was measured by feelings of loneliness, using the question: ‘Do you feel lonely? (1) constantly, (2) quite often, (3) sometimes, (4) seldom or (5) never?’ Loneliness was defined as responses 1–2 (4% of respondents).