Instruments for evaluating social support networks for Brazilian elderly people: a scoping review

Abstract

Social support network assessment scales, with adequate psychometric characteristics, can support professionals and services for elderly-centered care. Objective: To map social support network instruments for elderly people with evidence of validity for Brazil. Method: This is a scoping review, in accordance with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The databases used were AgeLine, Pubmed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Capes Portal and SciELO, without time or language limitations. Results: Of the 1.632 studies identified, 12 were included and systematized into three categories: 09 instruments validated for Brazilian Portuguese covering all ages; 01 instrument not validated for Brazilian Portuguese; and 02 Brazilian and exclusive instruments for people 60 or over. Conclusion: Social support networks were mentioned as a powerful factor in ensuring care, and it is essential to provide instruments to evaluate them during the aging process. This review demonstrates the scarcity and highlights the importance of developing scales compatible with the specificities of the Brazilian old age population.