[Social representations of illness among people with chronic kidney disease].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the social representations of illness among people with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis.


METHODS
Descriptive, qualitative research, anchored on the social representations theory. This study was conducted in the municipality of Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, with 23 adults with chronic kidney disease. Data were collection between February and November 2012 by means of a semi-structured interview, and analyzed using Content Analysis.


RESULTS
The interviews led to the categories "the meaning of kidney disease": awareness of finitude, and "survival": the visible with chronic kidney disease. The representation of illness unveiled a difference and interruption in life projects, and haemodialysis meant loss of freedom, imprisonment and stigma.


CONCLUSIONS
Family ties and the individuals´ social role are determining representations for healthcare.
Department of Nursing and Public Health, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil.
Caroline Gonçalves Pustiglione
CG
Campos
UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
Maria de Fátima
Mde F
Mantovani
Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
Maria Elisa Brum do
ME
Nascimento
Department of Nursing, UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
Cristiam Carla
CC
Cassi
D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005639:Frustration; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological