Characterization of social support perceived for family to adult patient with cancer

Abstract

Study design: descriptive, exploratory. Objective: To characterize the social support perceived for family to patient with cancer in a city in the state of São Paulo. Methodology: A descriptive, exploratory and quantitaive approach was used. Data was collected in home patients enrolled in an institution that centralizes the monitoring of cancer patients by Unified Health System. The sample consisted of 69 families, a total of 161`s families members. It was using a Medical Outcomes Study Scale Social Support. Results: family perceived social support from their network, however, among the dimensions, there is a deficit in informational support and positive social interaction, that revealing needs for health professionals to provide information about the disease, treatment and community resources.