Experiência de cuidadores familiares face às modificações no comportamento alimentar de crianças e adolescentes com leucemia

Abstract

Introduction: Leukemia is the type of hematological tumor best known and most prevalent in childhood, its process of illness and treatment is complex and generators of suffering for the patient and his family, generating multiple changes in his life, such as changes and restrictions on his diet. Objective: To understand the experience of family caregivers facing modifications in eating behavior of children and adolescents undergoing leukemia treatment. Methodology: This is qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research, carried out from July to December 2020, at the Treatment Center for Children with Cancer, located in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul state. Initially, a search was made on electronic medical records of children and adolescents undergoing leukemia treatment. After that, an invitation was made to family caregivers, and then semi-structured interviews were applied; subsequently, content analysis was carried out. Results: The leukemia treatment causes different undesirable side effects that influence the eating behavior of children and adolescents, the care with food during treatment has repercussions on the food routine of the whole family. Family caregivers show concern and a feeling of powerlessness because of the side effects presented by children and adolescents. Final considerations: The disease and the hospitalization process often have a negative influence on the nutrition of children and youth public and family caregivers are faced with a new reality, having to redefine their daily lives so that they can manage and meet all the needs of the child or adolescent.