ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORK ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH.

Abstract

Objective: To outline and analyze structural aspects of the social support network and to understand the ways and types of support provided as well as the relationship between the worker and the other individuals belonging to his/her interpersonal niche. Methodology: It was conducted a discourse analysis by means of an open interview with a female worker sickened by work. The network was divided into work, family and health services and the disease process was divided in the pre-illness, illness and post-illness. Results: Regarding family social network, it was seen that subjects who composed it in the pre-illness came to occupy a more central position in the illness and post-illness process. The compositions of health services and work underwent ubstantial changes in relationships between subjects during illness process, which complicates centrality analysis and consequently exchange of support. Conclusion: This preliminary study has helped understanding the organization of social networks and mutation of a worker over the disease process. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to deepen the knowledge in such a field. DESCRIPTORS Occupational Health. Social Support. Interpersonal Relations.