Vínculos interpessoais na vida do doente com AIDS: o modelo de comboio / Interpersonal bonds of patients with AIDS: the convoy model

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Individuals are developed inside groups. In each group, people develop different kinds of roles, experience events, influence and are influenced by other participants. Thus, different bonds and a network of family and friend relationships are established. Some people are closer and more intimate while others are more distant. The level of proximity with a certain member of the network can vary over time according to the development of the vital cycle and daily situations. HIV alters the dynamics of the relationship network due to the probability of changes like losses, exposure of socially reproved behaviors and stereotypes. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Different types of studies address networks, among them, there is the convoy model, developed by Khan and Antonucci in 1980. This model includes the concepts of social support, vital cycle and network. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to approach the relationship and the exchange of support among members of the inner circle of the convoy and patients with AIDS, as well as to verify the possible changes in the composition of patients bonds after the identification of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on the convoy model of social relations, which is characterized by the representation of the network in three concentric circles that involve patients with AIDS. Closer relations belong to the inner circle, while more distant, but important relations, are in the outer circle. Relationships developed in the inner circle were the ones considered, as they are the most intimate, with people with whom patients exchange more support. Participants were 22 patients with AIDS who were hospitalized in the ward of the UETDI (Special Unit to Treat Infectious Disease) in Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School. All ethical principles were followed. An instrument with three concentric circles, to represent the convoy, was applied. An interview adapted from the script developed by Antonucci and Akiyama (1987) about the ten closest members of the convoy was carried out. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: According to samples characterization, most participants were white or mulattos, had been infected in sexual relations and were female. The age group varied between 34 and 43 years of age. Most learned the diagnosis in the last ten years and had completed primary education. Regarding participants inner circle, most consisted of a maximum of five members. Family members were the most mentioned. Among the functional characteristics, data related to confidentiality, tranquilizing as to uncertainties, care with the disease, dialog and dialog about health were discussed. Twelve participants mentioned changes in the network composition, indicating more or less proximity. CONCLUSION: Health professionals should establish a trusty relationship with patients and their convoy, recognizing them in the psychosocial and cultural contexts. This would favor the acceptance of the disease and changes in lifestyle, besides helping in health care and adherence to treatment.

ASSUNTO(S)

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome aids pessoal da saúde social support health personnel apoio social

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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