Social support network to older people with depressive symptoms in a municipality of northeast in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: Describe the sociodemographic profile of older people with depressive symptoms and their social support structure regarding the size, composition and degree of the elderly proximity with the network components. Method: Descriptive, transversal and quantitative study, conducted with 88 elderly, being used for data collection the Short Geriatric Depression Scale, Minimum Map of Social Relations and a form composed by sociodemographic questions. Results: Predominated older people the female sex, aged 60 to 69 years, low income and education. 807 people were cited by the elderly to compose their social support network, with prevalence of intimate relationships and family members. Conclusion: The identification of social support enables health professionals to work in a partnership with it in order to promote a better quality of life of elderly.