SOCIAL NETWORK STRUCTURE OF PUERPERAL WOMEN WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the social network structure of puerperal women with substance use disorder. Method: this is a qualitative study based on Sanicola’s Social Network theoretical framework, conducted with 21 puerperal women who had a positive result in the screening test for marijuana and/or cocaine in the first half of 2023 in a health institution in southern Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and by creation of a social network map. Results: puerperal women who use substances, such as marijuana and/or cocaine, presented primary social networks of medium amplitude and strong predominantly family ties, while secondary networks were of low amplitude and density, indicating weak institutional support. Despite the presence of strong ties with health professionals in primary healthcare, especially in the form of the Nurse, the search for formal help to stop substance use was limited, revealing the need for targeted interventions to strengthen social and institutional support. Conclusion: the importance of the social network lies in creating spaces of care/support for women that transcend the specific moment of labor/birth and that accompany them in their life process in facing social and mental health needs.