THE MEANING OF WORK FOR MEN WITH SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA AND ULCERS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the meaning of work for men with sickle-cell anemia and ulcers and to discuss the challenges they face to remain in the world of work. Method: a qualitative and descriptive study developed in two settings: an outpatient service specialized in dressings of a large-sized hospital and a Stomatherapy Nursing clinic, both linked to a public university from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data collection took place from August to November 2018 by means of semi-structured interviews with 20 men who had sickle-cell ulcers. Lexical data analysis was performed in the Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires software. Results: the physical, social and psychological hardships caused by the wounds in men who are active in the world of work were verified. In addition to that, it was found that work is of important value for men, in addition to considering it as a shelter to deal with the pain imposed by the wounds. Conclusion: work represents usefulness and satisfaction, as it makes it possible to materially provide for men and their families and it reasserts their virility and their dominance in the family and social contexts, in addition to making them feel useful and productive. However, on the other hand, it also produces distress when these men need to stay at work with pain, tiredness, shame and frustration arising from a disease and an injury that alter their body image and productivity, in addition to generating feelings of disgust in their professional collective.