Abstract
This research aimed to identify anxiety, coping, and the significant social network of the caregiver of a child with burns. It is a case study conducted by monitoring the caregiver of a child victim of burns in two phases: 1. Time when the child was hospitalized; 2. During their return to the Hospital Unit. The caregiver was the child’s mother, married, and had more than three children. Instruments were used to identify anxiety indicators, coping strategies and social networks, besides an interview and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed through frequency, means and qualitative exploration. Results indicatedmild anxiety, and coping strategies based on religious practices, problem assessment and social support. The social network wasmainly constituted of family and community members, but also by friends and healthcare professionals. Material aid and emotional support were the main networkfunctions, whilecognitive guidance was specifically provided by the healthcare team. Results indicatethat it is necessary to monitor the family caregiver during the child’s hospitalization and rehabilitation period, in order to provide comprehensive care to meet their needs.
Keywords:
Anxiety; coping; significant social network; burns; hospitalized child
