Objective to adapt and validate the Instrumental Expressive Social Support Scale (IESS) in a sample of older people.Method methodological study. The sample of 964 community-dwelling older people was randomly divided into two groups. The first group was used as a calibration sample to study the number of factors underlying social support through Principal Axis Factoring, and the second group as a validation sample to test the “best fit” model through Confirmatory Factor Analysis.Results exploratory Factor Analysis suggested a three-factor solution, which was confirmed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The factors were similar to those in the pre-existing dimensions of the original instrument and were named as Sense of control (α = 0.900), Financial support (α = 0.802), Familiar and socio-affective support (α = 0.778). Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed acceptable fit. The model’s goodness-of-fit indexes were satisfactory (χ2/df = 5.418; CFI = 0.903; NFI = 0.884; RMSEA = 0.098). The convergent validity was supported by associations between social support and medication adherence and positive affect. The discriminant validity was evidenced by association with negative affect. The reliability analysis showed high values of internal consistency.Conclusion the instrument proved to be a valid measure for the assessment of social support in older people.

Capture studies of individuals in a population of Holochilus brasiliensis carried out 4 days a month for a year and a half showed the principal characteristics of the population's dynamics. Reproduction was highest in April-May, and density was highest in July.Particular attention is given to seasonal changes in the H. brasiliensis population ; we intend to show that rain and vegetation influence the reproduction cycles of H. brasiliensis. Schistosoma mansoni affects many individuals, and may contribute much to their physical condition, but cannot explain the high mortality observed in October and November 1984.Resume. --L'etude d'une population a'Holochilus brasiliensis par capture des individus pendant 4 jours par mois au cours d'une annee et demie a permis de mettre en evidence les principales caracteristiques de leur dynamique de population. La reproduction a atteint son maximum en avril-mai ; la densite de population a ete maximale en juillet.On a particulierement note les changements saisonniers dans la population d'Holochilus : la pluie et la vegetation ont une influence particuliere sur son cycle de reproduction. Beaucoup d'individus sont parasites par Schistosoma mansoni et leur condition physique peut en etre affectee ; mais cela ne justifie pas la mortalite elevee observee en octobre et novembre 1984.

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