Fatores de vulnerabilidade e proteção associados à função de cuidador familiar principal de paciente oncológico

Abstract

Cancer is an aggressive disease that affects not only the carrier, but your family as a whole. Faced with the diagnosis and possible loss of a loved one, the family experiences moments of extreme suffering, anxiety and insecurities, in a scenario full of doubts and adaptive demands related to the treatment. It is necessary to look and give due attention to family caregivers who, even without having the disease itself, carry it within themselves, with feelings similar to those of the sick person or even more serious than those. It is necessary to look, mainly, for those who dedicate themselves integrally to this care. The present research aims to understand the vulnerability and protection factors associated with the role of the main family caregiver of cancer patients. Twelve family caregivers of cancer patients were interviewed. In the data collection, an interview script was used and active listening was practiced. The analysis was qualitative. The results revealed vulnerability and protection factors associated with the main family caregiver of cancer patients. Lack of information; silence; difficult access to health services; the existence of unprepared professionals; an inflexible and conflicting family structure, are factors that may contribute to the vulnerability of the main family caregiver of cancer patients. On the other hand, easy access to health services; the support offered by trained professionals; knowledge about the disease, treatment and correct information about the patient's clinical condition; self-care; spirituality and religiosity; support groups; a flexible family structure that allows the division of tasks, are factors that can contribute to the protection of the main family caregiver of cancer patients. These results reinforce the need for the caregiver to receive the necessary support to be able to assume this function in a healthy way, predicting physical, psychological and social damages