Apoio social na internação hospitalar: fatores sociodemográficos e variáveis intervenientes

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon, which manifests quickly, especially in developing countries such as Brazil. As a result, there is a shortening of the base and an enlargement of the top of the population pyramid - called demographic transition. Linked to this process, there is an increase in the occurrence of non-communicable chronic diseases and a greater chance of hospitalization, which creates limitations and the need for support, especially in the elderly. Social relationships and social support are indicators of social integration, ensuring support in times of crisis or readaptation, contributing to the individual's health. Objective: to evaluate the social support of hospitalized individuals, its relationship with sociodemographic variables and hospital outcomes. Methods: This is a quantitative, descriptive and longitudinal study, where social support was evaluated through the question: “Can the patient count on someone to help or assist him?”, which is included in the Identification Instrument of Complex Patient in Hospitalization. Results: 1421 individuals were included, and it was identified that 93.6% had social support. Elderly and higher-risk individuals had proportional social support. There was no significant association with mortality or length of hospital stay. It was observed that the instrument succinctly assesses social support, therefore needing to consider other sociodemographic variables for a more specific assessment. More studies are needed with a view to identifying social support, so that strategies and interventions capable of expanding health care can be targeted.