O estigma na realidade intrafamiliar do adolescente com Hanseníase

Abstract

This research approached how hanseniasis (leprosy) stigma was expressed in the intra-family routine of adolescents. Some important aspects considered were physical impairment and skin stains, hiperpigmented by cross side effects of clofazemine and individual social response of patients since diagnosis to final discharge of the treatment, another aspect was to understand patient adolescents behaviour, how is their relationship with the illness and their lifestyle with their family. The research was conducted in D. Libânia Health Center, at Fortaleza-CE, Northeast Brazil. Twenty two patients (age range of 13 - 21) were accompanied during leprosy treatment and its effects. Procedures involved interviews, group discussions, and patient records. Investigation model applied was based on Kübler- Ross (1992) and data analysis followed Bardin (1992). Results showed that the intra-family subjective stigma was centred in relatives, not in the parents. Five of the adolescents presented suicide wishes, quit school and job. Analyses of interviews were centred in 3 mains axis, with themes and sub-themes: 1)LEPROSY AND ITS SIGNS (Skin stains and neuritis: body abomination, shame, depreciation of self- image and subjective stigma); 2) PATIENTS RESPONSES TO THE POST- DIAGNOSIS OF LEPROSY: (Patient reactions: the Kübler-Ross phases such as denial, hate, isolation, depression, barter and acceptance; Cohabitants reactions: support, prohibition, family stigma; Reactions of the social group: social stigma); 3) LEPROSY: SPACE-TIME ASPECTS (Diagnosis process - treatment - anxiety related to the treatment, discharge of treatment). Conclusions showed than adolescents need a more specific psychological, social, and sanitary support in order to face Hansen’s disease. This support will enable an effective treatment, avoiding high risks of disease. Effects and physical impairment. This will avoid patients to be segregated from social acquaintance, from school and work. Suggestions from this study pointed out grouping patients for discussions, emphasis of self-esteem, precocious identification of patients depression, which would induce them to abandon leave the treatment and cause depreciation of body image.