AFFECTIVE AND SEXUAL EXPERIENCES OF MEN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND LEG ULCERS

Abstract

Leg ulcers are frequent complications in people with sickle cell disease (SCD), which cause changes in the lives of people reflecting on the psycho-emotional and social dimensions. To understand the affective and sexual experiences of men leg ulcer secondary to (SCD). qualitative and exploratory research with eight adult males with hemoglobinopathy HbSS and HbSC treated at the Municipal Center of Reference for people with DF and at the local association of people with SCD in Feira de Santana City, Bahia State. From December 2013 to February 2014, through semi-structured interviews, we collected the data and submitted to thematic content analysis. The participants reported complications related to SCD, leg ulcers and painful crises predominate in their narratives. From the data emerged three categories, (1) Discrimination and social isolation mark the affective experiences; (2) altered body image produces shame and embarrassment and, (3) Pain, anxiety and helplessness limit sex. Men with SCD experience changes in affective and sexual relationships. Therefore, assistance to these people should be multidisciplinary, covering all health care levels. Involving affective and sexual issues, providing care integrally and qualified listening, building care strategies involving not only biological aspects such as handling of the wounds, but also psychosocial and cultural aspects, which promotes empowerment and autonomy.