PERCEPTION OF PATIENTS AFFECTED BY LEUKEMIA ON HOSPITAL ADMISSION

Abstract

Aim: to investigate the perception that the adult patient with leukemia attributes on the process of hospitalization and coping. Methods: this was an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach study, using semi-structured interviews carried out from March to April 2013 with seven adult patients with leukemia institutionalized. Data were processed and analyzed by the method ofcontent analysis. Results: four categories emerged, named: Recognition of signs and symptoms of leukemia; Feelings against disease; Coping with illness and hospitalization process; and Changes in lifestyle-related hospitalization and treatment. Conclusion: cancer patients seek the most diverse forms of coping to resist the disease process and the physical and emotional upheavals that comes with thedisease, as well as, it allows this patient to rethink his life and find resilience paths to face this condition.