Análise da Representação Social do processo saúde-doença da Sífilis adquirida em mulheres em idade fértil

Abstract

Acquired syphilis is an infectious-contagious sexually transmitted disease produced by Treponema pallidum. In the field of public health, it is a serious problem. Women have greater vulnerabilities related to the acquisition of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), a situation implied by gender and social and cultural issues. In this study, the theory of social representations made it possible to interpret women's understanding of the health-disease process of syphilis by revealing their beliefs, concepts and judgments. Objective: To analyze the social representations of women of childbearing age on the health-disease process of acquired syphilis. Method: Exploratory, descriptive, qualitative approach, conducted by the Social Representations Theory. The study was conducted at the Alfredo da Mata Foundation, an institution linked to the State Health Secretariat of the State of Amazonas. The data collection period was from December 2017 to January 2018. The sample consisted of 10 women diagnosed and followed up by professionals from a reference center for assistance to people with STIs in the city of Manaus. The data collection was performed through the semi structured interview technique. The analysis of the material was done through the technique of content analysis. The ethical requirements for human research were met by this study. Results: Four categories emerged from social representations: the meaning of syphilis, the feeling of discovery, the medium of transmission and being with syphilis. Conclusion: It is concluded that syphilis is meant for women of childbearing age as a sexually transmitted, contagious disease, which causes physical and mental discomfort, which may go unnoticed or be related to divine punishment.