Social support, socioeconomic and clinical risk: comparison between to neighborhoods in a Brazilian upcountry town

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the perceptions of two families living in two different neighborhoods (rated according to risk levels) regarding social support. A questionnaire was designed to assess social support according to the following dimensions: instrumental, emotional, religious, and support from friends, neighbors and family. The sample was comprised as follows: considering the 114 families living in neighborhood 1, 52 families were interviewed; and among the 162 families living in neighborhood 2, 60 families were interviewed. No significant difference was found related to instrumental, religious and emotional support, including the support from relatives among the families from both neighborhoods. The results disagree with the reviewed literature, which indicated a strong association between social support and families living at socioeconomic risk. In conclusion, social support is important for families, regardless of their risk stratification.

Red de Apoyo Social: Perspectivas de Familias Desplazadas en Porto Alegre

“…Aunque en el contexto de la emigración, la ausencia de algunos de los miembros de la familia o personas reconocidas como fuentes de apoyo, conduce a sentir una pérdida de apoyo social y eleva el grado de estrés e interfiere en su proceso de adaptación (Lu, 2012). El apoyo social se refiere a la disponibilidad de personas o instituciones que ofrecen ayuda y demuestran interés por personas en situaciones en las que necesitan soporte (Ferreira, Nunes, Reis, Morraye & Rocha, 2012). Para Gracia (1997), el apoyo social es un proceso (real o percibido) por medio del cual los recursos de la estructura social (comunidad, redes sociales y relaciones íntimas) satisfacen necesidades de las situaciones cotidianas o de crisis.…”

“…... yo me quedo todo el día encerrada dentro de este apartamento, es difícil, sin ver a nadie, tu miras por la ventana y no ves nada, solo al vecino cuando se va ir, cuando uno vive en una casa, solo se asoma y ve el cielo… ahora pienso, Dios en donde es que estoy metida, es muy difícil adaptarse, viviendo uno solo, aunque por lo menos es algo mío… (Sara, Voluntario) (…) mi único problema es que yo extraño mis cosas, mi privacidad, yo perdí mis cosas, pero yo estoy aguantando, que puedo hacer… los viernes mi otro hijo me lleva para Cachoeirinha (pueblo cercano) y me quedo con él hasta el domingo en la noche y le ayudo con el gimnasio, eso es lo que ha servido para seguir… (Carmenza, Desastre Natural) Por esta razón el proceso de adaptación de las familias va a depender no solo de de su capacidad de adaptación, sino de las fuentes de apoyo externas que ayuden en la superación en dicho proceso. El apoyo social es entendido como ese interés que reciben las personas cuando se encuentran en una situación en las que requieren de soporte (Ferreira et. al, 2012).…”

Social support from the perspective of adolescent victims of domestic violence

“…The scientific literature contains several definitions for this concept as theoretical frameworks and models of varied practice, with some similarities (5)(6) . In this study, this concept is understood as a process involving bonds of friendship and informational that establishes exchanges to meet needs of any kind, and results in emotional and behavioral positive effects, which facilitate coping with a crisis (7) .…”

“…In this study, this concept is understood as a process involving bonds of friendship and informational that establishes exchanges to meet needs of any kind, and results in emotional and behavioral positive effects, which facilitate coping with a crisis (7) . Several studies refer to the importance of social support for the health and quality of life of individuals throughout their life cycle (5)(6)(8)(9) .…”

“…Social support has been the subject of several studies involving new perspectives and new practices, primarily related to the maternal-child health and of the elderly, and focused on the effective support arising from the community (5)(6)(8)(9) . However, studies relating the concept of social support to domestic violence against children and adolescents are still embryonic and missing the point of view of subjects themselves victims of this phenomenon.…”