Ponencia - Bernardo Castiblanco Torres - Estados Unidos - 2019

Abstract

The social representations are systems with an own logic and language with the function to establish an order both in the material and social world, which give explanations and generate codes to name and signify a lot of the experiences that accompany them. In the case of Physical Activity (PA) representation in patients with cancer, his meaning can be of vital importance for the illness coping. This investigation pretended identify the social representations of the physical activity (understanding P.A. as a mediator of all activity that generate pleasure, integration and identity to a group), in a group of women that live with breast cancer in Bogotá city. From a hermeneutic historical paradigm, a qualitative approach and a narrative design, we inquired 11 women that live with breast cancer about their representations of physical activity, using ATLAS TI as tool. A content analysis was developed, in which 65 codes and 18 emerging categories associated with the concepts of information, attitude and representational field were identified. According to this analysis physical activity is represented as a way to be more conscientious about their health and a mechanism that generates well being, favoring the quality of life. Likewise, it was recognized that physical activity is seen as an aspect that favors family relationships and a tool for strengthening networks generating attitudinal changes, a feeling of overcoming and the desire to help other people who live with the disease. The body and human movement in this disease is a mediator of the daily activities of women that gives a new meaning to cancer and the beliefs about the disease by making possible new alternatives of intervention in addition to the medical ones for management and treatment.