Fragility of the social network of families of children with chronic disease

Chronic disease in childhood affects the family social relations. The social network can contribute for a better coping by giving support. This work aims to analyze the fragilities of the social network of families in this condition. It is a qualitative study conducted in a public hospital of Paraíba, from April to June 2011, using genogram, ecomap and semi-structured interview with seven family members of children with chronic disease. The thematic analysis of the results helped to characterize the network and understand the social interactions in the course of the disease and the types of support received. The empirical category (dis)articulation of the social network and the modifications in family routine was built in this process and pointed the diversity of the social network composition, emphasizing that the social support provided by the network is significant, however, not always continuous and suitable with the needs of the families.