BODY PERCEPTION AND SELF-ESTEEM OF WOMEN WITH LEPROSY: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the scientific production regarding the main effects of leprosy on the body perception and self-esteem of affected women. This is an exploratory study, of the type Integrative Literature Review (RIL), with a qualitative approach. The bibliographic survey was carried out in the LILACS, SciELO and MEDLINE databases. After conducting the research, 96 articles were found, resulting in a final sample composed of 9 primary studies. An analysis of the literature indicates that the perception of body image in women with leprosy is presented as a little explored theme. However, the emergence of disabilities or visible corporate changes can translate into negative representations about yourself and social discrimination. Like the effective changes that can be incorporated into the clinical practice of health services or associated with those that already exist, to obtain a better way of dealing with the emotional impact of the experience, following the patients and their contacts, considering the psychological and social aspects that can influence the health-disease process. Therefore, it is necessary to think about the resignification of aspects related to living with illness, cure and treatment, in addition to providing health professionals with a multidimensional approach.