Amigos e vizinhos: uma rede social ativa para adultos e idosos hipertensos

Abstract

The family network is fundamental in people's lives, but when it is inefficient, friends play an essential role in providing physical and mental support. The objective of this study was to understand how the network represented by the friends and neighbors of hypertensive adult and elderly individual works. This qualitative study was performed with 20 individuals with ages between 50 and 80 years, living in Maringá - Paraná. Results showed that the time of residence affects the attachment between the hypertensive individual and his/her neighbors and pointed at the resources and locations they used to contact friends. Friendships are an important source of support, and this attachment may in fact be stronger than kinship ties. We reinforce the need for health care professionals to value friendship networks, as it serves as a strategy for a more effective health care, with contemplates the subject as a whole.

Influence of social networks on the therapeutic itineraries of people with venous ulcer

“…People who have experienced or are experiencing similar situations are also considered sources of information (3) . Nurses must value the social network represented by friendship bonds as a strategy for eff ective care that focuses on improving quality of life, both in the physical and psychological sense (19) . For the interviewees who got help from neighbours and friends, this type of support was represented by emotional support, with the addition of material support and services.…”

“…Friendship bonds with neighbours are important and benefi cial insofar as they allow support when any form of help or assistance is required (19) . Analysis of therapeutic itineraries of families with members that suff ered from high blood pressure showed that help with the housework and the support of neighbours and friends were fundamental for the success of treatment.…”

“…After the family, friends and neighbour are referred to as the most important members of the relationship network. This shows the importance of healthcare professionals knowing and valuing these friendship networks, considering they may be a strategy for providing sensitive assistance (19) . Getting to know the social network is important because it is generally set in motion during moments of difficulties, such as periods of illness.…”

“…Getting to know the social network is important because it is generally set in motion during moments of difficulties, such as periods of illness. The activation of various segments of the social network may favour adhesion to treatment and quality of life (3,19) . Furthermore, the social network influenced the therapeutic itinerary of interviewees with venous ulcer in relation to choosing treatment, searching for resources to establish a given care practice, whether popular or professional.…”

“…This social network becomes a form of confronting the adversities of life (19) . Geographical distances in relation to the healthcare service can be minimized by having an organized and effective social network.…”