title: Support network for families of children and adolescents with visual impairment: strengths and weaknesses.
abstract: This study aimed to understand the interactions established between social support networks and families that have children and adolescents with visual impairment, in two different cities in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. This was a qualitative, descriptive study with symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework. A genogram, ecomap and semi-structured interviews with 18 families were used. The method adopted for data analysis was narrative analysis. Two themes were found: potentials derived from the relationship with the support network, and, counterpoints in the support network. The family members accessed other members of their own family, friends, spiritual and cultural activities, health services, government institutions, and philanthropic organizations as support networks. The weakness in health services support is an obstacle to comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents living in city A. In city B, other possibilities exist because it has a reference service. Despite the weaknesses in the support network in both cities, the family articulates and develops a foundation so that they can provide the best situation possible for their child or adolescent. It is up to health professionals to provide support to families and empower them to care for their members.
authors: Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Rodovia Washington Luís Km 235, Monjolinho. 13565-905 São Carlos SP Brasil. may_barbieri@hotmail.com.
authors: Mayara Caroline
authors: MC
authors: Barbieri
authors: Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Rodovia Washington Luís Km 235, Monjolinho. 13565-905 São Carlos SP Brasil. may_barbieri@hotmail.com.
authors: Gabriela Van Der Zwaan
authors: GV
authors: Broekman
authors: Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Rodovia Washington Luís Km 235, Monjolinho. 13565-905 São Carlos SP Brasil. may_barbieri@hotmail.com.
authors: Renata Olzon Dionysio de
authors: RO
authors: Souza
authors: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil.
authors: Regina Aparecida Garcia de
authors: RA
authors: Lima
authors: Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Rodovia Washington Luís Km 235, Monjolinho. 13565-905 São Carlos SP Brasil. may_barbieri@hotmail.com.
authors: Monika
authors: M
authors: Wernet
authors: Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Rodovia Washington Luís Km 235, Monjolinho. 13565-905 São Carlos SP Brasil. may_barbieri@hotmail.com.
authors: Giselle
authors: G
authors: Dupas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012944:Social Support; D014505:Urban Population; D014786:Vision Disorders