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

• Published in: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P Vol. 46; no. 4; pp. 822 - 828
• Main Authors: Ferreira, Milce Burgos, Nunes, Marilene Rivany, Dos Reis, Geraldo Cássio, Morraye, Mônica de Andrade, Rocha, Semiramis Melani de Melo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem 01-08-2012; SciELO
• Subjects: Apoyo social; Brazil; Factores socioeconómicos; Familia; Grupos vulnerables; Humans; NURSING; Pilot Projects; Promoción de Salud; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urban Population; Brazil; Fatores socieconômicos; Apoio social; Risk groups; Familia; Grupos vulnerables; Família; Promoción de Salud; Promoção da Saúde; Health Promotion; Factores socioeconómicos; Grupos de risco; Socioeconomic factors; Family; Apoyo social; Social support
• ISSN: 0080-6234; 1980-220X; 0080-6234
• DOI: 10.1590/S0080-62342012000400006

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.