Qualidade de vida dos cuidadores de pessoas com doença crônica

Abstract

The high epidemiological, social, economic and cultural impact of chronic non-communicable diseases affects what quality of life means to those who suffer from such illnesses and their family caregivers. Objective: Describe how the quality of life of those who care for the chronically ill is constructed. Method: Sandelowski and Barroso’s proposal for qualitative metasynthesis was used to develop the study. Results: There are three moments in the process: 1) it is affected (programmed cell destruction), 2) transformed (self-control of development and growth) and 3) redefined (condensation). Construction of the meaning of quality of life for the caregiver is conditioned by four factors: social support, spirituality, ability to care and time. Conclusions: Quality of life is affected and reconstructed by virtue of the meaning the caregiver assigns to it.