Ecomapping: an innovative research tool for nurses

Aim. This paper explores the use of ecomaps as a research tool for capturing data, using the example of the dynamic nature of social networks from which informal carers of people living with motor neurone disease draw their support.\ud Background. The need for social support in relation to health maintenance and disease management has been identified in the literature but little has been published about ways to investigate support networks. Existing discussion in the literature about the use of ecomaps as a clinical tool in social work creates a valuable framework for data collection which can be readily adapted by nurse researchers.\ud Method. We used ecomaps as part of a repertoire of research tools to gather data about the social networks of carers of people living with motor neurone disease. Primary carers participated in three interviews and collaborated in ecomap construction over a period of ten months during 2003. Analytical correlations were made between ecomaps and interview data. \ud Findings. Ecomaps provided a visual means of facilitating discussions around the structure and strength of networks. Being able to represent the social networks visually through ecomapping enabled people to identify each member of the network, examine the strength of each relationship and ascertain the sources of nurture and tension over time. Limitations to this type of data collection arise when participants try to quantify relationships that have been visually produced.\ud Conclusion. Ecomapping is a valuable research tool because it provides visual representation of supportive care networks, capturing strategic data through symbols expressing relationships that may be inadequately portrayed in words. The ecomap incorporates the use of consistent symbols that standardise recipient responses, enabling data comparisons to be made

Estresse e suporte social em mães de crianças com necessidades especiais Stress and social support for mothers of children with special needs

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a associação entre estresse e suporte social em mães de crianças com necessidades especiais e mães de crianças com desenvolvimento típico, em famílias de baixa renda. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo com 75 mães de crianças com idade entre quatro e 8 anos, com renda familiar de até quatro salários mínimos, alocadas em dois grupos: mães de crianças com desenvolvimento típico e mães de crianças com necessidades especiais. As participantes responderam ao Inventário de Sintoma de Stress e ao Questionário de Suporte Social. Os resultados indicaram, em ambos os grupos, elevada porcentagem de mães estressadas. Mães de crianças com necessidades especiais contam com um menor número de pessoas suportivas. Observou-se associação negativa entre stress e satisfação com o suporte social. Discute-se que o presente estudo confirma achados de pesquisas anteriores e identifica o papel do suporte social nos processos de adaptação familiar. A associação encontrada entre a satisfação com o suporte social e o estresse aponta para adequação de proposições e implantação de programas de intervenções em saúde para famílias de crianças com necessidades especiais.<br>The aim of this article is to assess the relationship between stress and social support in mothers of children with special needs, as contrasted with mothers of children with typical development, from low income families. In this quantitative study, participants included 75 mothers with children aged four to eight years, with income up to four minimum wages, divided in two groups: mothers of children with typical development and mothers of children with special needs. The mothers answered the Inventory of Stress Symptom and the Social Support Questionnaire. The results showed that mothers of both groups suffered stress. The mothers of children with special needs have a smaller number of people to support them. A negative relationship between stress and satisfaction with social support was observed. This study agrees with earlier research findings and confirms the importance of the role of social support in family adaptation processes. The association found between satisfaction with social support and the stress signals the importance of health intervention programs for families of children with special needs