A família e o paciente oncológico: estrutura e funcionamento familiar no contexto de câncer na família / The family and the cancer patient: The impact of the diagnosis of cancer under family functioning

A pesquisa parte da reflexão sobre o papel de destaque da família no que tange aos processos de saúde e doença dos indivíduos, também da premência de estudos que forneçam informações sobre de que modo e até que ponto o diagnóstico de câncer e o tratamento correspondente pode interferir nas relações familiares. Apoia-se no referencial sistêmico e desenvolvimental para compreensão dos fenômenos familiares. Avaliar o funcionamento em famílias que estão vivenciando o processo de diagnóstico e tratamento de câncer de um de seus membros e verificar se a participação em grupo de apoio focado na funcionalidade familiar pode auxiliar na adaptação da família à nova condição. Além disso, pretendeu-se identificar possíveis alterações no funcionamento e as dimensões mais atingidas (coesão, flexibilidade, comunicação), bem como possíveis mudanças estruturais e desenvolvimentais nas famílias que vivenciam o câncer. Foram utilizados instrumentais como FACES IV, Modelo Calgary de Avaliação Familiar (MCAF), dados retirados do grupo de apoio ofertado que foram descritos e analisados, a triangular e condensar para que fossem satisfeitos os objetivos do estudo. Conclui se que frente ao diagnóstico de câncer mudanças são vividas no âmbito familiar mesmo vistas com perspectivas positivas, e para além disso o suporte ao enfrentamento da doença oferecido por instituições externas, principalmente as instituições de saúde, e o intra familiar são afirmados como imprescindíveis para o enfrentamento adequado a doença pelos pacientes e familiares

The research starts with the reflection on the prominent role of the family regarding the health and disease processes of individuals, and also on the urgency of studies that provide information on how and to what extent the diagnosis of cancer and the corresponding treatment can interfere. in family relationships. It relies on the systemic and developmental framework for understanding family phenomena. To evaluate the functioning in families that are experiencing the process of diagnosis and treatment of cancer of one of its members and to verify if participation in a support group focused on family functionality can help the family adapt to the new condition. In addition, it was intended to identify possible changes in functioning and the most affected dimensions (cohesion, flexibility, communication), as well as possible structural and developmental changes in families experiencing cancer. We used instruments such as FACES IV, Calgary Family Assessment Model (MCAF), data taken from the offered support group that were described and analyzed, to triangulate and condense to meet the objectives of the study. It can be concluded that, in view of the diagnosis of cancer, changes are experienced within the family, even with positive perspectives, and in addition, the support to coping with the disease offered by external institutions, especially health institutions, and the intra-family are affirmed as essential for adequate coping with the disease by patients and family members

Sexuality and sickle cell anemia

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease, the most common hereditary blood disease in the world, is the result of an atypical hemoglobin called S (Hb S) which, when homozygous (Hb SS) is the cause of sickle cell anemia. Changes of puberty, correlated with a delayed growth spurt, begin late in both male and female sickle cell anemia individuals with repercussions on sexuality and reproduction. The objectives of this exploratory and descriptive study were to characterize the development of sexuality in adults with sickle cell anemia by investigating the patient's perception of their sex life, as well as the information they had and needed on this subject. METHODS: Twenty male and female sickle cell anemia patients treated at the Hemocentro Regional de Uberaba (UFTM) with ages between 19 and 47 years old were enrolled. A socioeconomic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview on sexuality, reproduction and genetic counseling were applied. RESULTS: This study shows that the sickle cell anemia patients lacked information on sexuality especially about the risks of pregnancy and the possible inheritance of the disease by their children. Moreover, the sexual life of the patients was impaired due to pain as well as discrimination and negative feelings experienced in close relationships. CONCLUSION: The health care of sickle cell anemia patients should take into account not only the clinical aspects of the disease, but also psychosocial aspects by providing counseling on sexuality, reproduction and genetics, in order to give this population the possibility of a better quality of life.