Representações sociais, hanseníase e envelhecimento: um estudo com moradores do Hospital Colônia no Piauí

Abstract

This research had as general objective to analyze the social representations of Hansen’s disease and aging among the residents of the Hospital Colônia do Carpina. As specific objectives: to carry out a systematic review of scientific studies on the social representations of Hansen’s disease; to apprehend the social representations of Hansen’s disease and aging among residents of Hospital Colônia do Carpina; and to analyze the social representations of the Hospital Colônia do Carpina among its residents. To reach the objectives, three studies were carried out, one being theoretical (Study 1) and two empirical (Studies 2 and 3). In general, the studies indicated the social representations (SR) of Hansen’s disease present antagonistic ideas, since although they show elements anchored in scientific knowledge and represent Hansen’s disease as any other curable disease, the prevalence of prejudice shows this representation still holds elements of leprosy. In turn, the SR of aging was anchored in a conceptual scheme associated with the old age phase and objectified in the figure of the old. In this sense, old age was conceived as synonymous with long life, although marked by functional losses, dependence and conflicts. Finally, the participants represented the Hospital Colônia do Carpina (HCC) positively, highlighting an adequate institutional structure and the good relationship between residents and employees. These representations mainly reflect the trajectory of a group of people whose lives have been marked by the isolation and prejudice caused by Hansen’s disease and who are now in an advanced stage of aging. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the development of strategies that promote changes capable of altering the negative elements of the SR of Hansen’s disease and aging, as well as to recognize the importance of HCC to its residents, given the experience of most of their lives in this institution.