The meaning of neutropenia and homecare needs according to caregivers of children with cancer

Authors

  • Débora Duarte Gelesson Hospital e Maternidade Santa Marina
  • Liliane Yumi Hiraishi Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Letícia Alves Ribeiro Grupo de Apoio ao Adolescente e à Criança com Câncer; Instituto de Oncologia Pediátrica
  • Sonia Regina Pereira Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo
  • Maria Gaby Rivero de Gutiérrez Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo
  • Edvane Birelo Lopes De Domenico Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692009000600002

Keywords:

medical oncology, neutropenia, child care, health education

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the meanings caregivers attributed to the process of caring for a neutropenic child at home and know their needs for orientation related to care for these children. This descriptive study was carried out at the Pediatric Oncology Institute through semi-structured interviews, involving eleven caregivers. Data were organized according to the content analysis technique and interpreted according to Social Representations theory. Results indicate changes in the physical environment, people and human relationships, evidencing crises and transition towards stability. The following care procedures raised doubts: hyperthermia, body, food and environmental hygiene, risks of interpersonal contact and special care. The conclusion is that caregivers need technical and emotional preparedness to cope with the reported difficulties, including aggravating situations.

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Published

2009-12-01

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 6 (2009)

Section

Original Articles

License

RLAE’s authorship concept is based on the substantial contribution by each of the individuals listed as authors, mainly in terms of conceiving and planning the research project, collecting or analyzing and interpreting data, writing and critical review. Indication of authors’ names under the article title is limited to six. If more, authors are listed on the online submission form under Acknowledgements. The possibility of including more than six authors will only be examined on multicenter studies, considering the explanations presented by the authors.
Including names of authors whose contribution does not fit into the above criteria cannot be justified. Those names can be included in the Acknowledgements section.
 Authors are fully responsible for the concepts disseminated in their manuscripts, which do not necessarily reflect the editors’ and editorial board’s opinion.

 

How to Cite

Gelesson, D. D., Hiraishi, L. Y., Ribeiro, L. A., Pereira, S. R., Gutiérrez, M. G. R. de, & Domenico, E. B. L. D. (2009). The meaning of neutropenia and homecare needs according to caregivers of children with cancer. Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 17(6), 933-939. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692009000600002