Cogitare Enfermagem (Dec 2015)

SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND INTIMATE DIMENSIONS OF ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY HANSEN’S DISEASE

  • Lucian da Silva Viana,
  • Maria Isis Freire de Aguiar,
  • Ítalo Rodolfo Silva,
  • Nair Portela Silva Coutinho,
  • Dorlene Maria Cardoso de Aquino

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5380/ce.v20i4.41587
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 4
pp. 712 – 719

Abstract

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The aim of this study was to assess social and intimate relationships of elderly individuals with Hansen’s disease. This study has a quantitative approach, with 60 elderly individuals from two Hansen’s Disease Control Programs in the capital city of a Brazilian Northeastern state, using the Social Relationships domain of the World Health Organization Quality of Life – bref and the Intimacy facet of the World Health Organization Quality of Life – older adults, with descriptive statistical analysis. Data were collected between December 2012 and June 2013. In the Social Relationships domain, satisfaction was found at 85% in personal relationships, 78.3% in social support and 60% in sexual activity. The elderly individuals presented lower satisfaction in the Intimacy facet. The Social Relationships of elderly individuals with Hansen’s disease presented a high score due to the social support network, which presented significant satisfaction and reflected on quality of life. In conclusion, it is important that nursing coordinates strategies for educational and care practices for elderly individuals affected by Hansen’s disease.

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