Cuidadores de crianças com leucemia: Exigências do tratamento e aprendizagem de novos comportamentos

Abstract

The pediatric cancer represents a context of losses, uncertainties, physical pain and several difficulties to the patient and family. The main goal of this study was to investigate specific demands experienced by 30 pediatric caregivers, as well as favourable behaviors acquired, along the first semester of leukemia treatment, using semi-structured interviews carried out in two moments. The results indicate specific demands, such as the need of more attention and patient monitoring, and the increase of financial costs. There were relevant reports about learning new behavioral patterns, referred as beneficial, such as the acquisition of more adaptative behaviors related to environmental demands, awareness of a higher self-efficacy and a more active role in treatment, learning related to invasive medical procedures and destitution of dysfunctional beliefs related to cancer. This study corroborates data indicated in literature and highlights the importance of more psychosocial interventions concerning pediatric patients and caregivers.