title: Social support, socioeconomic and clinical risk: comparison between neighborhoods in a Brazilian upcountry town.
abstract: The objective of this study was to compare the perceptions of two families living in two different neighborhoods (rated according to risk levels) regarding social support. A questionnaire was designed to assess social support according to the following dimensions: instrumental, emotional, religious, and support from friends, neighbors and family. The sample was comprised as follows: considering the 114 families living in neighborhood 1, 52 families were interviewed; and among the 162 families living in neighborhood 2, 60 families were interviewed. No significant difference was found related to instrumental, religious and emotional support, including the support from relatives among the families from both neighborhoods. The results disagree with the reviewed literature, which indicated a strong association between social support and families living at socioeconomic risk. In conclusion, social support is important for families, regardless of their risk stratification.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer at Patos de Minas College, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil. milceb@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Milce Burgos
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Marilene Rivany
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.forename: Geraldo Cássio
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Dos Reis
authors.forename: Mônica de Andrade
authors.initials: Mde A
authors.lastname: Morraye
authors.forename: Semiramis Melani de Melo
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rocha
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population