Feelings Faced By Caregivers Of Children With Cancer Of A University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a disease where cell proliferation occurs abnormally, ignoring signs of growth regulation. The child with cancer needs the help of the caregiver, their greatest support. Objective: to unveil the feelings faced by caregivers of children with cancer at a University Hospital. Methodology: descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study, carried out at the Pediatric Oncology Center of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital in Recife / PE. The population was constituted by the main caregivers of hospitalized children with cancer. Survey conducted in June 2017, through an interview, with a population of 10 caregivers. The data were submitted to Bardin content analysis. Results and Discussion: as results, four thematic categories emerged: Caregiver perception about Cancer; Family relations in the context of the disease; Changes faced after the discovery of the diagnosis; Feelings in the context of the disease. The caregiver’s understanding and understanding of the illness allows him to optimize his suffering and encourages him to face the obstacles encountered during treatment. Conclusion: caregivers experience a long process of diagnosis at the end of treatment. They present feelings that blend between guilt, fear, sadness, exhaustion, hope, faith and tranquility.