Social networks and social support for people dealing with chronic renal disease

Abstract

Chronic renal disease is an incurable condition that has a progressive evolution and causes physical, psychological, social and economical problems to the patient. It is important that both patients and family learn how to deal with symptoms and disability, get used to the hospital and to the treatment procedures and establish a comfortable relationship with the health team. This study aims to recognize the social networks that help patients with chronic renal disease. It is a qualitative research based on the Ecological Theory of Bronfenbrenner. It was carried out between 2004 and 2005 in a Nefrology Unit from a medium size hospital in a city from Rio Grande do Sul. Three relatives answered a semi-structured interview and three patients with one respective relative elaborated the ecomap and the genogram of the family. Results point to family difficulties in dealing with renal disease and show that relatives, neighbors and friends are the main social support source for these patients. Spirituality was also seen as a support source and the hemodialysis service was referred as a strong bond.