Avaliação da qualidade de vida dos pacientes vítimas de queimaduras no estado do Maranhão

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Burns are traumatic injuries caused by accidents involving thermal, electrical, biological, chemical and radioactive substances. Burns compromise the functional integrity of the skin, which is responsible for hydroelectrolytic homeostasis, internal temperature control, body surface flexibility and lubrication. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life of burn patients in the state of Maranhão. METHODOLOGY: This is an exploratory study. The research took place in municipalities in the state of Maranhão where burn victims are registered and monitored by the Maranhão Burn Survivor Support Association (AMASQ). The Burn Specific Health Scale-Revised (BSHS-R) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of burn victims. The BSHS-R contains 31 items which are grouped into domains: simple functional abilities (4 items), skin sensitivity (5), treatment regimens (5), work (4), affect and body image (8), interpersonal relationships (5).RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This study involved40 survivors registered with AMASQ. Skin sensitivity and affect and body image were the highest scoring domains, reflecting impairment in these domains. According to thefindings, it is suggested that the general state of health of the participants was significantly affected by the traumatic episode of burns. There was a prevalence of emotional sequelae resulting from the trauma and their influence on social relationships. It was also noted that the physical sequelae related to sensitivity affectnot only the execution of daily tasks but also the continuity of treatment. CONCLUSION: Accidents involving burns are a public health problem that requires more comprehensive and concise strategies to alert society. It was found that burns are a complex condition that can significantly affect the victim's quality of life. This impairment goes beyond the physical dimension and also affects the psychological.