Understanding the meaning of being hospitalized in daily lives of children and teenager with chronic diseases

• Published in: Revista brasileira de enfermagem Vol. 65; no. 6; p. 916
• Main Authors: da Luz, Juliana Homem, Martini, Jussara Gue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01-11-2012
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child, Hospitalized - psychology; Chronic Disease - psychology; Hospitalization; Humans
• ISSN: 0034-7167
• DOI: 10.1590/S0034-71672012000600005

The study tried to understand the meaning of hospitalization for children and teenagers with chronic diseases substantiated on Symbolic Interactionism and developed from the qualitative Assistential Converging Research whose participants were a child and three teenagers. Data collection took place through a nursing interaction process, participating observation, sensible listening and child drawing. During the analysis, the meaning of hospitalization was expressed as being ill, away from home, feeling pain, sadness, suffering, wishing to cry, nervousness, aggressiveness and losing freedom. It was also understood as treatment, cure, support, friends, reciprocity with nature and "pleasant experiences" through care, passion, love, happiness and games. The participants' ability to show their view of the situation in which they are inserted was highlighted in their drawings, imbued with meanings and life lessons.