O impacto do diagnóstico e as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas por familiares de idosos em tratamento oncológico.

Abstract

The cancer appears as an obvious public health problem worldwide, being in ancestry between elderly public. It is a chronic degenerative disease whose diagnosis brings with important repercussions within the family, requiring the use of coping strategies that allow the gradual psychological adjustment and adaptation to the new context. Thus, this research aims to analyze the impact of the diagnosis and the coping strategies used by families of elderly cancer treatment. Methodology: This was a descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach cross-cutting nature, conducted in the city of Cuité - CP at Primary Care Network of said municipality. 10 families participated in the survey of elderly in cancer treatment, and data were collected by means of a semi-structured interview, which was recorded, transcribed and analyzed from the perspective of Minayo in thematic content analysis and subsequently discussed light of the relevant literature to the proposed topic. Results: As a result of the data analysis yielded two protected Central Core Issue entitled Sense I: Disclosure of the diagnosis of cancer and the impact on the family from which emerged three categories : Category I: The impact of a cancer diagnosis for the family : a conflict of feelings ; Category II : The dialogic relationship between the family and the health professional 's diagnosis of cancer ; Category III : Changes in routine and family relations : a phase of losses and gains ; Core of meaning II : Unveiling difficulties and family coping strategies in the treatment of oncological elderly, this nucleus also fell into two categories : Category I: Caring for the elderly with cancer : evidence of family difficulties and Category II : Faith in God , religion and family support as coping strategies used by the family to the treatment of cancer . The results showed conflicting feelings at the time of diagnosis , which were exacerbated by the context of the development of the disease , changes in relationships and family life as well as structural and financial difficulties during the process of treatment of the elderly . However , coping strategies were used by respondents , with faith in God , religion and the search for family support and health professionals the most important. Conclusion: The relatives of elderly patients with cancer deserve special attention in view of the singularities present in the intercourse of a complex and long-term illness such as cancer. Because it is a delicate moment, attended by a skilled multidisciplinary team is of great relevance to act during all the stages and difficulties experienced by families from diagnosis to the end of cancer treatment.