O cotidiano de crianças em tratamento oncológico.

Abstract

The occupations performed in a child's life are likely to be affected when he is subjected to cancer treatment. Taking as a starting point the child's own perception of their day-to-day life, prompting the reflection of what activities have the most meaning for them in life, the present study aims to understand the perceptions of children with cancer about their daily lives during treatment. This is an exploratory and descriptive study, with a qualitative approach to the data, in which twelve children aged seven to eleven participated in the support center for children with cancer in Paraíba. As a tool for obtaining data, a profile characterization form for the participants and a semi-structured interview script were used, in addition to the playful material used to form a bond between children and the researcher and to facilitate the child's participation in the research. The material was collected at the premises of the home of the child with cancer in Paraíba and the data obtained were analyzed using the content analysis technique based on the principles of Laurence Bardin. As a result, it was possible to understand that children undergoing cancer treatment prioritize activities aimed at health and life maintenance in their daily lives; describe feelings of deprivation related to freedom and unpretentious childhood activities; and externalize the notion of distancing, even if temporary, from the routine experienced in their localities. The research made it possible to contribute to the analysis of the daily situation of children with cancer in the state of Paraíba, in addition, it may direct future interventions of Occupational Therapy in pediatric oncology, enhancing the practices developed by this professional with the multidisciplinary team benefiting the assisted population. It is expected to foster the interest of academics in Occupational Therapy in complementary research in the area.