PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT: REPERCUSSIONS ON SELF-IMAGE AND AFFECTIVE-SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS
Chronic kidney disease; hemodialysis; sexuality; self-image; psychology
This study proposes an analysis of the psychosocial impacts that chronic kidney disease and its treatments tend to have on the lives of people experiencing this condition. The physical and emotional changes resulting from this process can impact the perception of one's own body, self-esteem, and the affective and sexual relationships of patients. Considering that sexuality is still commonly permeated by taboos and that it is a topic rarely addressed in the context of healthcare, it becomes relevant to broaden the discussion and studies on this subject in relation to situations of greater vulnerability. In this sense, this qualitative study will seek to understand the repercussions of chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis on the experience of affective-sexual relationships and the construction of self-image. To this end, 10 adults (five men and five women) diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and undergoing hemodialysis treatment for at least six months at a clinic in a hospital that is part of the health network of a municipality in southern Rio de Janeiro state will be invited to participate in the research. In the data collection phase, a questionnaire will be used to gather sociodemographic and medical-clinical data, and individual semi-structured interviews will be conducted. It is expected that the research will contribute to broadening the perspective of healthcare professionals on affective-sexual dimensions, promoting more comprehensive and sensitive care practices that meet the needs of individuals undergoing treatment.