Reports of people cured from Syphilis about the experiences in adherence to trearment

Abstract

Rates of syphilis are high in Brazil, so know the experiences of people regarding treatment can help to improve care practices for more effective responses to this epidemic. This qualitative-descriptive research analyzed the reports of people cured of syphilis about their experiences while treating the infection. Four men and four women who were patients of a Brazilian public health service participated from the study . Data were collected through semi-structured interview, recorded on audio, whose full transcripts were analyzed in thematic categories. The data showed the valorization of oneself and one's own health as motivators for treatment adherence. The vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections and the adoption of preventive attitudes were reassessed. The injections of the medication caused physical pain and were associated with suffering from guilt because they has not  being protecting themselves. Knowing about the cure was a relief, but the fear of reactivating the infection remained. It was challenging to reveal the diagnosis to the sexual partner and deal with their reactions. Gender inequality permeated the reactions of partners' refusals to treatment and condom use. It also highlights the fear of prejudice and the effective discrimination, as well as the need for social support. It is concluded that even for people who adhere to the treatment of syphilis, it can be permeated by different types of emotional suffering. An assistance favorable to adherence should include emotional support, good professional-patient communication and the use of anesthetics to reduce the injection pain.