Social networking in support of child development according to the family health team

Abstract

Objective: To identify the social support networks for families for the promotion of child development from the perspective of the Family Health Strategy team. Methods: Qualitative, descriptive research. The subjects were twelve health professionals, three from each of the professional categories working in the health centers studied (nurse, doctor, auxiliary nurse, and community health worker). The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and analyzed through thematic categorical analysis. Results: The results evidenced three empirical categories: Elements of the social support network; Functions of support for the families; Difficulties and gaps in the social support network for the families. Conclusion: It is considered that the social networks have an important role in the linking of the families, strengthening their potential for healthy child development. It is recommended that health professionals should articulate actions capable of influencing these elements, soas to promote appropriate child development.