'There is actually no one who is supporting me' - social networks and their relevance for health

Abstract

The presented research project deals with current issues of family and services working with families (social affairs, health, education) in South Tyrol (Northern Italy). The qualitative data were collected in an extensive survey through 120 interviews with parents from different family types and service staff. The qualitative part of the project is based on the Grounded-Theory-Methodology. Therefore the differentiated subject areas were developed in the research process itself. In parallel, a quantitative data collection was implemented. For this purpose, about 1300 parents were interviewed by a written questionnaire. Among the most significant results of the study are the often hardly existing or missing social networks of families (results of the qualitative part with ego-centred network maps and quantitative questionnaires coherent), the frequent description of pressure and stress on all levels, lack of comprehensible information (especially in the area of financing support, services and health topics) and dissatisfaction with social and health services. Based on these results, the relationships between these variables will now be investigated and first evaluations will show that there is a direct correlation between social networks and described well-being, stress or pressure perception, but also in the use of and satisfaction with social and health services. There existsis also a correlation between children's health status and parents' social networks. It is not only about the quantity of networks (number of network partners), but also about qualitative aspects, for example who these network partners are and how positive or conflictual relationships have been described. The results illustrate the relevance of working with social networks as a public health issue and why further research is needed. Key messages Social networks are an important determinant of health. There is a need for more research about the connection between social networks and health.