Perceptions of women with breast cancer about the support group

• Grant number: 13/22890-8
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal researcher: Manoel Antônio dos Santos
• Grantee: Carolina de Souza
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second type of cancer most recurrent in the world and which affects more women, accounting for 22% of new cases each year. If it is diagnosed and treated properly, the prognosis is relatively good. As the incidence and survival of breast cancer are appreciable in actuality, many women will live with the consequences of the disease and its treatment for a relatively long time. This makes it increasingly expedient to invest in the development of interventions to improve psychological and physical health of these women, with an emphasis on quality of life. Studies have shown that psychosocial support offered by support groups is a relevant variable for the adjustment and improvement of the quality of life of patients and may influence adaptive capacity. Considering these assumptions, this study aims to understand the perception of women with breast cancer about the support group they are attending. This is a qualitative, transversal, descriptive and exploratory study. Will participate women affected by breast cancer, linked to a psychosocial rehabilitation service. A convenience sample will be delimited by the criterion of data saturation. To data collection will be used a semi-structured interview, with questions that seek to circumscribe women's experiences in that group. Individual interviews will be conducted in face to face situation, over one or two meetings, as needed, and audio recorded with the permission of the participants. After data collection, the audio recorded content will be transcribed verbatim and in full. Subsequently, the data will be submitted to thematic content analysis. Through this procedure will be highlighted perceptions about the support group, in particular the perceived benefits and barriers. Investigate the perception that women with breast cancer have on support groups can enable the development of new care technologies, enriching the practices of mental health offered by health professionals in the context of psychosocial rehabilitation. (AU)