SELF-PERCEPTION OF HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS IN DEPRESSED WOMEN

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the self-perception of health, quality of life, and social relationships in women with depression who participated in a body practice program.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative-quantitative study involving 12 women with a medical diagnosis of depression, all of whom were on medication and participated in a body practice program at a Primary Health Care Unit (with at least 75% attendance) in a city in the northwestern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The program consisted of 16 weekly sessions. Individual interviews were conducted to collect sociodemographic, health, and behavioral data, as well as perceptions of health, social relationships, quality of life, and the concept of quality of life. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.
Results: Most women with depression perceived their health as fair (50%), their quality of life as good (50%), and their social relationships as positive (50%). They reported that quality of life meant having good health, being happy, feeling physically well, enjoying life, being emotionally balanced, maintaining social relationships, and having a good sense of humor.
Conclusion: Body practices may have a qualitative impact on the quality of life, social relationships, and general health of women with depression.