A vivência e os sentimentos de mulheres portadoras de hanseníase

Abstract

Leprosy is an infectious disease, a chronic disease that usually causes changes in the psyche and physical changes that affect significantly the life of the carrier of this disease. In this study, it was sought to understand the experiences and feelings of women with leprosy. A qualitative study conducted with 15 women aged over 18 years in the Health Centre of Bairro de Fatima, Sao Luis - MA. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire with open and closed questions to characterize the respondents and a roadmap guiding questions related to experiences and feelings about the disease. The analysis was performed using the analysis technique content. Emerging categories as a result of the research were Living with leprosy; Life change as a result of leprosy; Leprosy and social relationships; The search support as coping; Feelings and future prospects. The results showed that leprosy is experienced differently by every woman that significant changes occurred in the lives of these women, the impact suffered, is seen as a bad experience, and that causes physical and psychological changes. Some lines resembled while listening to speeches, however, the disease is unique for each of them. It was found as the life of the woman who has leprosy is changed in the face of illness, treatment and living with others. Women in this study reported the importance of humane care by health care professionals with guidelines to assist them in the acceptance of the diagnosis, as well as in understanding the treatment that will be established and the possible changes arising from the disease.