CUSTÓDIO, L. L.. et al. O desenhar da dor para as crianças com anemia falciforme: a dor que dói, dói muito [Drawing pain for children with sickle cell anemia: the pain that hurts, really hurts]. Rev. Dor, São Paulo, SP, v.18, n.4, p.321-326, out-dez. 2017.
Available on: doi: <10.5935/1806-0013.20170123>
Background and objectives: Painful crises are part of the evolution of sickle cell anemia, is the more dramatic picture of variable intensity and location, caused by chronic hemolysis and vaso-occlusion, which alter the daily life of the patients. The objective of this study was to understand, by means of drawing, the repercussions and the coping strategies in situations caused by the painful crises of sickle cell anemia, from the children’s perspective. Methods: Exploratory, qualitative study, carried out in a pediatric referral hospital of Ceará, with five children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Data collection was performed from May to July 2016, by means of observations and Drawing-and-Story Procedure by Trinca. In this analysis, the analysis of drawings content by Coutinho was used. Results: Two categories emerged: the pain that hurts and coping with pain. Every child identified its bigger meaning, evoking the repercussions of pain as the most striking element and more present in its life. Conclusion: In face of the sufferings confronted by children with sickle cell anemia, it is necessary to create strategies that promote the implementation of public policies to prevent crises and treat the disease, modifying the course of the disease and improving the quality of life.