As vivências da sexualidade de doentes em cuidados paliativos

: um estudo fenomenológico

Abstract

Introduction: In palliative care, a topic that is usually undervalued is sexuality. In this sense, this study's main objective is to understand the experience of sexuality of patients in palliative care. Methodology: A qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach was used, with semi-structured interviews being carried out with thirteen patients accompanied by a palliative care support team. Subsequently, through content analysis, categories and subcategories emerged with their respective units of meaning. Results: The analysis revealed how sexuality remains an integral part of patients' lives despite the disease. The categories that emerged were: beliefs and meaning of sexuality (with four subcategories); impact caused by the disease on the experience of sexuality (with four subcategories); current experience of sexuality (with four subcategories); health care professionals' approach to sexuality (with three subcategories) and perspectives on life, identity, illness and sexuality. Participants expressed various beliefs and meanings associated with sexuality, valuing its intimate space. Throughout the course of the disease, they mentioned the need to adapt to various areas of their lives, including sexuality. Furthermore, they highlighted how little approach to this topic was taken by healthcare professionals, even though it was verified that their intervention would not have to depend on specialized knowledge. Conclusions: It is concluded that an integrated and personalized approach to ensure that topics such as sexuality are addressed is fundamental. By recognizing and respecting the multiplicity of patients' experiences and perspectives, healthcare professionals create a space to explore the complexity of sexuality. In this way, the person as a whole is valued, and, at the same time, it contributes to the improvement of care in the context of palliative care.

Date of Award	21 Dec 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Eduardo Carqueja (Supervisor) & Tânia dos Santos Afonso (Co-Supervisor)