Experiência de crianças e adolescentes em transplante de medula óssea no contexto da doença oncológica

Abstract

Introduction: The Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an aggressive therapy aimed at correcting a qualitative or quantitative cellular defect by replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Its need often results from the failure in the conventional treatment of various diseases. The oncological context of BMT in pediatrics brings a series of challenges to children and adolescents, making it cardinal to understand their experiences in order to adequately meet their needs. Objective: To understand the experiences of children and adolescents undergoing bone marrow transplantation in the context of oncological disease. Method: Qualitative study, adopting the theoretical perspective of Symbolic Interactionism and the methodological perspective of Narrative Research. The data collection took place by filling out a specific instrument to characterize the participant's profile and audio-recorded in-depth interviews. Study participants were children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 years who underwent bone marrow transplantation and were undergoing post-BMT follow-up at the institution chosen for the study. In order to analyze the qualitative data obtained through in-depth interviews, we opted for the analysis of narratives in a holistic perspective with an emphasis on content. Results: 3 adolescents and 4 children in post BMT took part in the study. Of these, 2 underwent allogeneic and the other 5 withstood autogenic transplantation. Five thematic categories were identified: perceptions about the bone marrow transplantation process, feelings of children and adolescents about the bone marrow transplantation process, needs and difficulties during the bone marrow transplantation process, strategies for coping with challenging situations, and the post-transplantation and its expectations. The understanding the experience of children and adolescents undergoing BMT in the context of oncological disease reveals how children perceive and give meaning to their experience. For the most part, the experiences brought to light were troublesome, challenging, but unfold good expectations for the future. Discussion: other studies, although barring different aspirations, registered similar experiences regarding the difficulties faced during the transplant process. It was also identified the importance of highlighting the child as a protagonist capable of self-reporting their own health status and experiences. Final considerations: The research disclosed that the experience studied is complex, hurtful and saturated with many challenges. The discomfort experienced surpassed the physical body affecting also the mind, feelings and social interactions of the participants. The wealth of the reports reinforces the importance and urgency to acknowledge and consider the reports of children and adolescents with the ultimate goal of improving the comprehensive and distinct care in the context of BMT and oncological diseases.