Apoio Social para mulheres mães de bebês prematuros em situação de internação hospitalar

Abstract

Prematurity is considered a serious public health problem. The high rate of low birth weight newborns in Brazil is related to a high percentage of neonatal mortality, and this theme is the focus of the Ministry of Health. The experience of motherhood involves several changes and when prematurity and the need for hospitalization of the baby arise as an unexpected problem, it can trigger a crisis for the mother and family. In this context, Social Support can be considered an important factor that influences the experience of mothers of premature babies. This research aimed to understand the importance of Social Support for mothers of premature newborns admitted to a Maternity Hospital in the city of Manaus-AM. More specifically, it sought to: identify the dimensions of Social Support that are most relevant to these women and their impact on the experience of the problem; characterize the Meaningful Social Network of this population in terms of its constitutive dimensions; and analyze how the public health network can be a source of Social Support for these women. As a methodology, mixed research was developed, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. For data collection were used: a survey of sociodemographic data; a semi-structured interview; and a Minimum Relationship Map. Six mothers of premature babies who were hospitalized at the Maternity Azilda da Silva Marreiro participated in the research. Qualitative data analysis was based on Content Analysis from the perspective of Historical-Cultural Psychology. The analysis of quantitative data was based on the Theory of Social Networks. As a result, the literature review carried out indicated that Social Support plays a role in maintaining the mental health of mothers, it is an important factor in coping with the hospitalization experience, and that the role of the health team is considered a significant source. of Social Support. The results of the semi-structured interviews showed that Emotional, Material and Informational Support were important functions highlighted by the participants, with the Family and the Health Team as the main sources of Social Support. Situations configured as lack of Social Support negatively impacted the hospitalization experience. The UBS was described as the public health network service to which the participants have more access. The analysis of the MMRs showed that most of the significant bonds are arranged in the Family and Community Relations quadrant, which includes health professionals. Emotional Support was the function most highlighted by the participants. Of the family ties, which perform a greater number of functions, Material and Services Help was more evident. Of the bonds represented by health professionals, the most prominent function was Emotional Support and the highest frequency of contacts also happens with this group. In conclusion, the research shows that Social Support has an important role in the experience of women who are mothers of premature babies, helping to deal with the problem presented. It is essential to raise awareness and prepare health professionals to provide adequate Social Support and thus establish a humanized practice, qualified and focused on the needs of this public.