ABSTRACT
Objective:
to evaluate the instrumental and emotional social support of patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.
Method:
descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample was sized for convenience and included 103 participants under treatment in a Renal Replacement Therapy Unit. Data were collected through individual interviews, using the Social Support Scale.
Results:
the mean scores of the emotional and instrumental social support were 3.92 (± 0.78) and 3.81 (± 0.69) respectively, an indication of good support received. The most frequent sources of instrumental and emotional social support mentioned by participants were partners, spouse, companion or boyfriend and friends.
Conclusion:
patients with chronic kidney disease have high social support, both instrumental and emotional, and the main support comes from the family.
Descriptors:
Social Support; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Health of the Elderly; Adult Health