Ansiedade, depressão e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: perspectivas dos sobreviventes de câncer

Abstract

Objective: to analyze quality of life related to health, anxiety and depression from the perspective of cancer survivors. Method: cross-sectional, exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out with 13 cancer survivor participants followed by primary health care in the city. The sample was used for convenience and followed the data saturation criteria, including those over 18 years of age, of both sexes and monitored at the unit. Data collection took place through a semi-structured interview guide containing sociodemographic and clinical variables, followed by questions about Health-Related Quality of Life, anxiety and depression. Sociodemographic and clinical data were subjected to simple descriptive analysis and subjective data were subjected to content analysis proposed by Laurence Bardin. Results: The categories that emerged from the statements were: cancer survivor's perceptions about Health-Related Quality of Life and cancer survivor's perceptions about anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Survivors reported that they were not satisfied with their health-related quality of life, as the adverse effects resulting from the treatment still persist and make it difficult to return to work and normal domestic activities, which culminates in feelings of dependence and uselessness. The presence of anxiety was reported, which had repercussions on physical symptoms and reports of depressive symptoms and decreased interest in life in some participants, which may be directly associated with the lack of a support network, vulnerability and more aggressive cancer sequelae.