RESUMO
OBJECTIVE Unveiling the meaning of self-care as a caregiver of the partner suffering from cancer. Method Research based on Heidegger´s phenomenology, performed with ten women caregivers of partners with cancer in a municipality in the northwestern region of Paraná, between December 2013 and February 2014. RESULTS: From the discourse analysis, the ontological themes emerged: "forgetting to be a woman to surrender to the care of the other and choosing the other to the detriment of themselves". It was evident that, when caring for their partners, they find it difficult to take care of themselves, both on women's issues that give them pleasure and also regarding their own health. CONCLUSION: On this existential condition, the wives exercises care and spend a lot of time on it. They have to choose between the care of their partners and taking care of themselves. It should be underscored that nurses should develop specific activities with special reference to these women that dedicate so much to care-giving.
Assuntos
Cuidadores/psicologia , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Neoplasias/enfermagem , Autocuidado/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Existencialismo , Feminino , Feminilidade , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Autoimagem , Cônjuges/psicologia , Fatores de Tempo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Objective understand the experiences of cancer patients regarding the care received and the relationship with Family Health Strategy professionals. Method qualitative research based on Heidegger's phenomenology held with ten cancer patients living in the coverage area of three healthcare centers in a city in northwestern Paraná. Data were collected at the patients' homes from November 2012 to February 2013 through open interviews. Results some patients were faced with the impersonality of professionals and lack of empathy, interaction, and singling in care whereas others had their expectations met since they experienced a comprehensive care permeated with concern, sharing of feelings, and respect. Conclusions the understanding of these experiences raises a reflection on the support that is provided in this instance of care and the importance of overcoming impersonal and inauthentic attitudes in order to transcend to a new level of relationship and care.
Assuntos
Serviços de Assistência Domiciliar , Neoplasias/enfermagem , Pacientes/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Brasil , Área Programática de Saúde , Existencialismo , Feminino , Serviços de Assistência Domiciliar/organização & administração , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/psicologia , Neoplasias/terapia , Satisfação do Paciente , Assistência Centrada no Paciente , Relações Profissional-Paciente , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Understanding the experiences of elderly with cancer pain. METHOD: Qualitative research based on Heidegger's phenomenology. 12 elderly cancer patients from a city in northwest Paraná were interviewed from November 2013 to February 2014. RESULTS: Analysis performed by vague, median and interpretive understanding which resulted in two ontological themes: Cancer pain: unveiling the imprisonment and impositions experienced by the elderly, and Unveiling the anguish of living with cancer pain; it revealed not only how the elderly experience pain in their daily lives, but also how hard it is to live with its particularities. CONCLUSION: Cancer pain has biopsychosocial repercussions for the elderly, generating changes in their existence in the world, requiring holistic and authentic care.
Assuntos
Acontecimentos que Mudam a Vida , Neoplasias/psicologia , Dor/psicologia , Idoso , Existencialismo , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias/complicações , Dor/etiologiaRESUMO
By taking care of cancer patients in their process of end of life, nursing experience situations of suffering before the anguish of others. This study aimed to understand the meaning and significance attributed by the nurses from the palliative care cancer hospital. This is a phenomenological research, grounded in Heidegger's thinking, performed with 13 nurses, who work at Oncology hospitalward, through semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed according to the steps recommended by Josgrilberg. From understanding the statementsof the subjects, two ontological themesemerged: Feeling satisfaction and love in the care offered and Feeling anger and inabilitytowards terminally ill patients.We inferred that working in Oncology Ward is something rewarding for these professionals, but it entails physical and mental suffering, from feeling helpless before the death-dying process. Thus, we showedthat nursing professionals need to be recognized as human beings and as such, also deserving of care.
Assuntos
Cuidados de Enfermagem , Enfermagem Oncológica , Cuidados Paliativos , Assistência Terminal , Doente Terminal , HumanosRESUMO
This was a phenomenological investigation into musical meetings, structured according to the existential analytics of Martin Heidegger, that aimed at scrutinizing the perception of patients with cancer living in a support home. Seven users of the support home of the Rede Feminina de Combate ao Cancer in Maringá, Paraná, took part in the study, during which eight musical meetings took place during the months of January and February 2011. For the purposes of data collection individual interviews were used, starting with the following question: What do these musical meetings represent to you at this time of your life? During the process of understanding the investigated phenomenon, two ontological themes emerged: a feeling of being taken care of in the musical meetings; and transcending their existential facticity. It was observed that a meeting mediated by music represents a resource in oncologic palliative care nursing; and that it brings inspiration to the patients' daily life, instilling a feeling of being cared for and giving a new meaning to their being-in-the-world.
Assuntos
Musicoterapia , Neoplasias/terapia , Cuidados Paliativos/métodos , HumanosRESUMO
This is a qualitative study, based on Heidegger's existential phenomenology, with the purpose of revealing the meaning of death/dying for freshmen students of the nursing program. The study was developed in a public university in the northwest of Paraná, Brazil between August and October 2010, and 33 entering students from a Nursing program were interviewed. The following existential themes emerged from the phenomenological analysis: "Understanding death as a difficult process to be understood"; "Understanding death as a natural process"; and "Perceiving death as a passage to another life". The present study allowed to understand that knowledge and death are entangled in the temporality and the historicity of every being, which requires a scientific, ethical and philosophical understanding of the death/dying phenomenon so that the scholar may prepare for the humanized care of the patient and his/her family.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Atitude Frente a Morte , Estudantes de Enfermagem/psicologia , Compreensão , Cultura , Educação em Enfermagem , Emoções , Existencialismo , Humanos , Narração , Relações Enfermeiro-Paciente , Relações Profissional-Família , Pesquisa Qualitativa , ReligiãoRESUMO
This qualitative study was performed using the multiple case study method and Heidegger's existential phenomenology for data analysis. The objective was to understand how family members perceive the influence of musical experiences on the physical and mental health of a relative living with a terminal illness. Participants were seven individuals belonging to two families. Data collection was performed through interviews and observation from May to June 2009. Results showed that using music while providing care to beings living with cancer can provide well-being to patients as well as their caregivers. Considering the deficit of leisure and the monotony of the home environment, using music contemplates the philosophical and humanitarian precepts of palliative care, thus being characterized as a complementary resource to nursing care, as besides being a communication resource, it improves the interpersonal relationship between patients and their families.
Assuntos
Família , Musicoterapia , Assistência Terminal/métodos , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
The starting point of this study stands on the experiences shared with individuals presenting diabetes mellitus. The existential phenomenology of Martin Heidegger allowed the apprehension of the moments lived by these individuals. Interviews were performed, at their home, with eight people living in Bandeirantes, a city situated in the North of Paraná, and who had had a podological complication due to the disease, in the period from February to August of 2007. The study aimed to comprehend their experiences when dealing with a podological complication in their being in the world. In order to study the language of the subjects, the following guiding question was employed: What is it like, for you, to live with a podological complication developed due to your diabetes mellitus? From the language of the subjects, the following theme emerged: The being (Dosein) and the unauthentic care. The obtained results showed the importance to offer a holistic care to the being who experiences this situation, since the care subjectivity is often absorbed by the massification of the institutional norms and rules.
Assuntos
Pé Diabético/enfermagem , HumanosRESUMO
The objective of this study was to better understand the emotions of ostomy patients and to reinforce their own moral value as beings-in-the-world, through actions of humanized care. This qualitative study followed the existential phenomenology school of thought and was performed at a teaching hospital in Northwestern Paraná-Brazil. Interviews were performed with 15 ostomy patients receiving care at the stomal therapy outpatient clinic during the months of June and July, 2006. The guiding question was: What does being on ostomy patient mean to you? From the analysis, three existential themes emerged: finding oneself in the world of ostomy; daily life with an ostomy bag; and the importance of spirituality in understanding the situation. It was observed that ostomy patients, in their existentiality, express their vicissitudes differently, revealing how painful or pleasant life events can be to them. It is the nurse's challenge to be mindful of their varying forms of expression.
Assuntos
Emoções , Estomia/psicologia , HumanosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: to understand the experience of post-discharge health care of primary cancer treatment from the perspective of survivors. METHODS: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, using Martin Heidegger's Existential Phenomenology framework. Analysis of semi-structured interviews of 11 cancer survivors, after primary treatment, was carried out through vague and median and hermeneutic understanding. RESULTS: three units of meaning emerged in the search for the unveiling of the phenomenon: Respecting physical limitations after cancer; Transcending themselves after illness; and Overcoming the ghost of fear. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: cancer survivors experience care in intentional choices favorable to health, when they overcome their own limitations, fear of relapse or new cancer. The need to improve continuous professional monitoring in order to answer questions reinforce favorable attitudes and enhance the chances of better quality of life for cancer survivors.
Assuntos
Sobreviventes de Câncer , Neoplasias , Assistência ao Convalescente , Atenção à Saúde , Humanos , Neoplasias/terapia , Alta do Paciente , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe the contents and structure of the social representation of cancer. METHOD: A qualitative study based on the Theory of Social Representations, carried out in a High Complexity Care Unit in Oncology. Data collection included a socio-occupational and clinical characterization questionnaire and free evocations form from 100 cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment and in-depth interviews with 29 of them. The analysis was performed using EVOC software. RESULTS: One hundred (100) patients participated in the study. The social representation of cancer has the words normal, difficult disease, death and fear in its central nucleus. The apparent ambivalence between the continuity of life and its finitude as structuring meanings of this representation enables establishing an inferential hypothesis that relates normal disease to the possibility of treatment, control and cure of cancer, while the fear of death remains in the representational field linked to the disease, which has a difficult treatment to cope with. CONCLUSION: The social representations of cancer based on the presented interrelationships provide reflections which may contribute to increasing the individual and social care of patients with malignant neoplasm and their family in health services.
Assuntos
Medo/psicologia , Neoplasias/psicologia , Apoio Social , Adulto , Atitude Frente a Morte , Família/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Psicologia Social , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the social representations of chemotherapy and the experiences built by people with cancer. METHOD: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection occurred between August and December 2016, through interviews with 29 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at an institution in the northern part of Paraná State, and the Thematic-Categorical Content Analysis. RESULTS: Four categories have emerged denoting attitudes, feelings and experiences associated with chemotherapy and the need for reconstruction of daily life, permeated by the distancing of social life and work. At the same time, we note the close ties with friends and family, as well as adaptive strategies, new meanings of experiences lived and life priority setting. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Cancer represents an interruption of plans and dreams, modifying everyday tasks and generating new experiences. This process facilitates giving a new meaning to the past and the reconstruction of subjectivity.
Assuntos
Tratamento Farmacológico/normas , Neoplasias/complicações , Adaptação Psicológica , Adulto , Brasil , Tratamento Farmacológico/métodos , Tratamento Farmacológico/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Relações Interpessoais , Entrevistas como Assunto/métodos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/psicologia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Estresse Psicológico/etiologia , Estresse Psicológico/psicologia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Qualitatively evaluate the operation of a palliative care service in oncology. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative study conducted in a service in southern Brazil based on a fourth generation evaluation. Between September 2014 and June 2015, 460 hours of operation were observed, and 45 semi-structured interviews and five negotiation meetings were conducted; data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Potential services are: provision of outpatient palliative care, home and inpatient care provided by a multidisciplinary and support team, meeting the patient's biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Study limitations: ineffective communication between clinical and surgical oncology and palliative care sectors, lack of specialized training for professionals and in interpersonal relationship issues among team members. FINAL CONSIDERATION: For palliative care progress in the service, some arrangements are required to enhance integrality of care.
Assuntos
Cuidados Paliativos/métodos , Brasil , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Humanos , Cuidados Paliativos/tendências , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
Objective: to verify the effect of nursing appointment on cardiometabolic profile of people with Diabetes Mellitus type 2. Method: randomized controlled trial, developed with 134 individuals chosen for two groups: intervention and control. The intervention consisted of three nursing appointments alternated bimonthly, with two phone calls, over five months. The control group received usual care offered by the Health Unit. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews before and after the intervention, in addition to conducting laboratory tests. Results: after the intervention, a significant difference was shown in the amount of glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.006) and in the systolic blood pressure (p = 0.031), which were higher in the control group. Conclusion: besides being low-cost and easy to develop on the monitoring routine of people with diabetes, the intervention performed influenced positively the biochemical profile. Objetivo: verificar o efeito da consulta de enfermagem sobre o perfil cardiometabólico de pessoas com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Método: ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado, desenvolvido com 134 indivíduos sorteados para dois grupos: intervenção e controle. A intervenção consistiu em três consultas de enfermagem bimensais alternadas, com duas ligações telefônicas, ao longo de cinco meses. O grupo-controle recebeu os cuidados habituais oferecidos pela Unidade de Saúde. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas antes e após a intervenção, além da realização de exames laboratoriais. Resultados: após a intervenção, foi evidenciada diferença significativa no valor da hemoglobina glicada (p=0,006) e da pressão arterial sistólica (p=0,031), que se mostraram mais elevadas no grupo-controle. Conclusão: a intervenção realizada, além de ser de baixo custo e de fácil desenvolvimento na rotina de acompanhamento da pessoa com diabetes, influenciou positivamente a melhora do perfil bioquímico.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Promoção da Saúde/normas , Adulto , Idoso , Pressão Sanguínea , Índice de Massa Corporal , Brasil , Feminino , Taxa de Filtração Glomerular , Hemoglobinas Glicadas/análise , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
In this study, our purpose was to direct ourselves to the mothers who had babies that were born prematurely and needed to be assisted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, searching for the comprehension of the feelings provoked in these mothers due to such situation and, thus, project new possibilities of caring aimed at these beings. For that, we opted for a qualitative-descriptive study, based on the principles of the existential phenomenology. From the analysis, four categories emerged; the pain to see her child be born prematurely and then be taken away from her arms; undergoing the possibility of losing a part of hers; revival of feelings from the understanding of the situation of the child and; the importance of the hospital's staff during the process of her child's recovering. We inferred that listening and paying attention are vital instruments to aid the mother and her child in their singularities.
Assuntos
Emoções , Recém-Nascido Prematuro , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal , Mães/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Recém-NascidoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: to unveil the significances of women who experience being the caregiver of their companion with cancer. METHOD: a Heidegger's phenomenological research, performed with ten women who are caregivers of their companions with cancer in a town in the northwest of the state of Paraná, Brazil, from December 2013 to February 2014. The following guiding question was used: "How has it been for you to care for your companion with cancer?". RESULTS: from the analysis of the speeches the following ontological themes emerged: "Taking responsibility of caring for the companion with cancer", "Learning to live with the intimacy changes" and "Learning to live with the feelings related to care". The data revealed the wives' sense of responsibilities for caring and the influence of feelings in the act of caring, including the impact on the couple's intimacy. CONCLUSION: in the midst of difficulties, the feelings of affection are the driving force behind these women to continue their actions as wife-caregivers.
Assuntos
Existencialismo , Neoplasias/enfermagem , Adulto , Idoso , Brasil , Cuidadores , Empatia , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand the experience of post-discharge health care of primary cancer treatment from the perspective of survivors. Methods: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, using Martin Heidegger's Existential Phenomenology framework. Analysis of semi-structured interviews of 11 cancer survivors, after primary treatment, was carried out through vague and median and hermeneutic understanding. Results: three units of meaning emerged in the search for the unveiling of the phenomenon: Respecting physical limitations after cancer; Transcending themselves after illness; and Overcoming the ghost of fear. Final Considerations: cancer survivors experience care in intentional choices favorable to health, when they overcome their own limitations, fear of relapse or new cancer. The need to improve continuous professional monitoring in order to answer questions reinforce favorable attitudes and enhance the chances of better quality of life for cancer survivors.
RESUMEN Objetivos: comprender la experiencia de la atención médica después del alta del tratamiento primario contra el cáncer desde la perspectiva del sobreviviente. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo, utilizando el marco metodológico de la Fenomenología Existencial de Martin Heidegger. El análisis de las entrevistas semiestructuradas de 11 sobrevivientes de cáncer, después del tratamiento primario, se realizó a través de una comprensión vaga, mediana y hermenéutica. Resultados: surgieron tres unidades de significado en la búsqueda para revelar el fenómeno: Respetar las limitaciones físicas después del cáncer; Trascendirte después de la enfermedad; y Superar el fantasma del miedo. Consideraciones finales: el sobreviviente de cáncer experimenta atención en elecciones intencionales favorables para la salud, cuando supera sus propias limitaciones, miedo a la recurrencia o cáncer nuevo. Se enfatiza la necesidad de mejorar el monitoreo profesional continuo para responder preguntas, reforzar actitudes favorables y aumentar las posibilidades de una mejor calidad de vida para los sobrevivientes de cáncer.
RESUMO Objetivos: compreender a vivência do cuidado à saúde pós-alta do tratamento oncológico primário na perspectiva do sobrevivente. Métodos: estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se o referencial metodológico da Fenomenologia Existencial de Martin Heidegger. Análise das entrevistas semiestruturadas de 11 sobreviventes ao câncer, após tratamento primário, foi realizada por meio da compreensão vaga e mediana e hermenêutica. Resultados: surgiram três unidades de significado na busca pelo desvelamento do fenômeno: Respeitando as limitações físicas após o câncer; Transcendendo a si próprio após a doença; e Superando o fantasma do medo. Considerações Finais: o sobrevivente ao câncer vivencia o cuidado nas escolhas intencionais favoráveis à saúde, quando supera suas próprias limitações, medo de recidiva ou novo câncer. Ressalta-se a necessidade de aprimorar o acompanhamento profissional contínuo no intuito de sanar dúvidas, reforçar atitudes favoráveis e potencializar as chances de melhor qualidade de vida dos sobreviventes ao câncer.
RESUMO
RESUMO Objetivo Compreender o significado atribuído pelas pessoas que desenvolveram trabalho voluntário em serviço de apoio oncológico. Método Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, que teve como referencial teórico o Interacionismo Simbólico, realizado com dez voluntárias em uma casa de apoio oncológica em um Município de médio porte localizado no sul do Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre junho e agosto de 2016 por meio de entrevistas abertas, organizadas com auxilio do software IRAMUTEQ e realizado analise de conteúdo temática. Resultados Como resultados, emergiram três categorias que discorrem sobre a motivação e o desejo de dedicar-se ao outro, os entraves no trabalho voluntario e o crescimento e satisfação pessoal na doação ao outro. Conclusão e implicações para a prática O trabalho voluntário envolve questões culturais, crenças, caridade e amor ao próximo, mas pode gerar sentimentos de sofrimento e impotência além de dificuldades financeiras para sua execução. Apesar das dificuldades encontradas, propicia reconhecimento pessoal e profissional a quem o realiza.
RESUMEN Objetivo Comprender el significado atribuido por las personas que han desarrollado trabajo voluntario en los servicios de apoyo para el cáncer. Método Este es un estudio cualitativo, cuyo marco teórico fue el Interaccionismo Simbólico, realizado con diez voluntarios en casas de apoyo a pacientes oncológicos en un municipio de tamaño mediano ubicado en el sur de Brasil. La recopilación de datos tuvo lugar entre junio y agosto de 2016 a través de entrevistas abiertas, organizadas con la ayuda del software IRAMUTEQ y el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados Como resultado, surgieron tres categorías que reflexionan sobre la motivación y el deseo de dedicarse a los demás, los obstáculos en el despliegue del trabajo voluntario, el crecimiento personal y la satisfacción de dar a los demás. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica El trabajo voluntario involucra cuestiones culturales, creencias, caridad y amor por los demás, pero puede generar sentimientos de sufrimiento e impotencia además de dificultades financieras para su ejecución. A pesar de las dificultades encontradas, proporciona reconocimiento personal y profesional a quienes lo realizan.
ABSTRACT Objective Understand the meaning attributed by people who have developed voluntary work in cancer support services. Method This is a qualitative study, whose theoretical framework was Symbolic Interactionism, carried out with ten volunteers in an oncology support house in a medium-sized municipality located in southern Brazil. Data collection took place between June and August 2016 through open interviews, organized with the help of the IRAMUTEQ software and thematic content analysis was carried out. Results As a result, three categories emerged that discuss motivation and the desire to dedicate themselves to others, obstacles to volunteer work and personal growth and satisfaction in giving to others. Conclusion and implications for the practice voluntary work involves cultural issues, beliefs, charity and love for others, but it can generate feelings of suffering and helplessness in addition to financial difficulties for its execution. Despite the difficulties encountered, it provides personal and professional recognition to those who perform it.
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Voluntários , Institutos de Câncer , Pacientes , Satisfação Pessoal , Motivação , NeoplasiasRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: to compare the effectiveness of two educational interventions used by a healthcare provider in the monitoring of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), regarding knowledge of the disease, impact on quality of life and adoption of self-care actions. METHODS: comparative, longitudinal, prospective study performed with 150 subjects with type 2 diabetes, analyzed according to the type of participation in the program (individual and/or group). Participants of the individual intervention (II) received nursing consultations every six months and those of the group intervention (GI) took part in weekly meetings for three months. Data were collected through four questionnaires: Identification questionnaire, Problem Areas in Diabetes Questionnaire (PAID), Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire (SDSCA) and the Diabetes Knowledge Scale (DKN-A). Data were analyzed using the Friedman and Mann Whitney tests, considering a statistical significance of p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: there was an increase in knowledge about the disease in the II (p<0.003) and GI (p<0.007), with reduction of the impact on the quality of life in the II (p<0.007) and improvement in self-care actions in the GI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: in both intervention models improvements were observed in the indicators, over the six month monitoring period.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto/métodos , Qualidade de Vida , Autocuidado , Feminino , Processos Grupais , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , AutorrelatoRESUMO
Abstract Objective: To describe the contents and structure of the social representation of cancer. Method: A qualitative study based on the Theory of Social Representations, carried out in a High Complexity Care Unit in Oncology. Data collection included a socio-occupational and clinical characterization questionnaire and free evocations form from 100 cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment and in-depth interviews with 29 of them. The analysis was performed using EVOC software. Results: One hundred (100) patients participated in the study. The social representation of cancer has the words normal, difficult disease, death and fear in its central nucleus. The apparent ambivalence between the continuity of life and its finitude as structuring meanings of this representation enables establishing an inferential hypothesis that relates normal disease to the possibility of treatment, control and cure of cancer, while the fear of death remains in the representational field linked to the disease, which has a difficult treatment to cope with. Conclusion: The social representations of cancer based on the presented interrelationships provide reflections which may contribute to increasing the individual and social care of patients with malignant neoplasm and their family in health services.
Resumen Objetivo: Describir los contenidos y la estructura de la representación social del cáncer. Método: Estudio cualitativo, fundado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, llevado a cabo en una Unidad de Asistencia de Alta Complejidad en Oncología. Para la recolección de los datos, se emplearon cuestionario de caracterización socio-ocupacional y clínica y formulario con libre evocación de palabras en 100 pacientes con cáncer en tratamiento quimioterápico y entrevistas en profundidad con 29 de ellos. Se realizó el análisis con la ayuda del software EVOC. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio 100 pacientes. La representación social del cáncer tiene en su núcleo central las palabras enfermedad normal, difícil, muerte y miedo. La aparente ambivalencia entre la continuidad de la vida y su finitud como significados estructuradores de dicha representación permite establecer una hipótesis inferencial que relaciona la enfermedad normal con la posibilidad de tratamiento, control y curación del cáncer, mientras que el miedo a la muerte permanece en el campo representativo vinculado a la enfermedad, que tiene un tratamiento difícil de enfrentarse. Conclusión: Las representaciones sociales del cáncer, mediante las interrelaciones presentadas, proporcionan reflexiones que pueden contribuir al incremento del cuidado individual y social del paciente con neoplasia maligna y su familia, en los servicios sanitarios.
Resumo Objetivo: Descrever os conteúdos e a estrutura da representação social do câncer. Método: Estudo qualitativo, embasado na Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizado em uma Unidade de Assistência de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia. Para a coleta de dados, empregaram-se questionário de caracterização sócio-ocupacional e clínica e formulário de evocações livres em 100 pacientes com câncer em tratamento quimioterápico e entrevistas em profundidade com 29 deles. A análise foi realizada com auxílio do software EVOC. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 100 pacientes. A representação social do câncer possui em seu núcleo central as palavras doença normal, difícil, morte e medo. A aparente ambivalência entre a continuidade da vida e sua finitude como significados estruturadores dessa representação permite estabelecer uma hipótese inferencial que relaciona a doença normal à possibilidade de tratamento, controle e cura do câncer, enquanto o medo da morte permanece no campo representacional atrelado à doença, que possui um tratamento difícil de ser enfrentado. Conclusão: As representações sociais do câncer, a partir das inter-relações apresentadas, propiciam reflexões que podem contribuir para o incremento do cuidado individual e social do paciente com neoplasia maligna e sua família, nos serviços de saúde.