Qualidade de vida de pacientes com deformidades em maxila e mandíbula

Abstract

Physical disability and loss of some body part disturbs individual’s body image and self image, modifying their relationship with themselves and the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with maxillary and mandibular deformities. This is a descriptive qualitative study based on the technique of thematic analysis. Interviews were performed using a script with semi-structured questions regarding the quality of life of these patients. The evaluation was performed by the application of SF-36 questionnaire validated on Brasil. There were collected sociodemographic data from each patient. Five patients with maxillary and mandibular deformities participated in this study. From the thematic analysis, four themes emerged: Social Prejudice, Suffering ( and the subthemes Feeling of Worthlessness, Loss of Leisure Activities, Loss of Will to Live, Felling of Inferiority), Search for Isolation (and the subtheme Avoiding Public Places), Shame. The quality of life evaluation by the application of SF-36 questionnaire revealed low scores of physical and mental componentes, mainly the mental health involvement. It was concluded that facial deformities involve changes in individual’s physical, emotional and social spheres, and it’s clear the importance of multidisciplinary approach in promoting the quality of life and, consequently, promoting these patients’ health as well.