Social representations of patients with vasculogenic ulcers about quality of life: an analysis of the social context

Abstract

Objective: to describe the social representations of patients with vasculogenic ulcers about quality of life and analyze such representations from the social context of patients’ insertion in relation to the healthcare service. Method: a qualitative research, based on social representations, developed in a Family Clinic in Rio de Janeiro with 30 patients with vasculogenic ulcers for over 90 days. Data were produced through interviews and submitted to lexicographical analysis using the Alceste software. Results: the weaknesses of care in the healthcare service to which patients were linked contributed to exacerbate the reconfiguration of daily life that the occurrence of ulcers implies, due to the presence of pain and physical restrictions, influencing the representation of quality of life. Final considerations: the representation was objectified as a counterpoint to the image of “being happy”, and actions expressed proactivity in the search for a cure or passivity due to lack of clinical results.