[The relationship between social support and the social demographic characteristics of people with diabetes mellitus]. / A relação entre o apoio social e as características sociodemográficas das pessoas com diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study aimed at associating the perceived social support with the social demographic characteristics of people with diabetes mellitus, between May and November 2008. The sample consisted of 161 patients with diabetes mellitus and the Social Support Network Inventory was used. High perception of social support was observed in the studied sample, the main source of support were the family members, followed by health professionals. Social support was directly correlated with age and inversely correlated with educational level, both of weak magnitude. The assessment of social support will permit interventions to promote the adaptation of people to the health demands.