This work describes the local knowledge of the medicinal use of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., Fabaceae, according to informants in two areas of the Araripe bioregion, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. We used interviews to investigate the ethnomedicinal use of the local species to determine the mode of use, frequency of administration, duration of treatment and restrictions of use. In traditional medicine, the use of S. rotundifoliumis associated with the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. The part of the plant most used was the stem bark (86.11%), the predominant mode of preparation was immersion in water (52.83%), and oral administration was the most cited (48.43%). For inflammatory and infectious diseases, the treatment lasted 3-10 days and the frequency of administration was 2-3 times/day. For gastroprotective effects, treatment lasted up to 30 days, and the herb was administered 1-3 times/day. For pain complaints, the therapy varied from 2-3 days to continuous administration.The informants (46.87%) did not mention restrictions of use, except for pregnant women, with a rate of 25%. A comparison of these results with the ethnopharmacological information from other studies showed that some of the traditional indications are scientifically supported by the literature or clinical studies. Nevertheless, the results showed that pharmacologists have not fully investigated all the possible bioactivities that healers credit to this plant.

The aim of this study was to learn about the feelings and possible difficulties faced by women in anti-neoplastic chemoterapy concerning body image changes. 14 women in treatment in an oncology reference hospital in Cariri-CE, Brazil participated in the study. The data collection took place between May and July 2009 through a semi-structured interview. Later, data were classified according to the speech of the subjects. There was prevalence of women aged between 38 and 48 years, in a stable marital relationship and with children. Most of them demonstrated optimism concerning the disease, occasionally with feelings of fear and anxiety. As for the body it was verified implicit dissatisfaction in the speeches. It was reported that, after the diagnosis, changes happened in their lives, including body care that made them gain new values. It is pointed out the need of considering the psycho-social aspects in the approach of patients with cancer, seeking a more integral and human assistance to such patients.

La meta fue conocer los sentimientos que enfrentan las mujeres en la quimioterapia antineoplásica en cuanto a los cambios de la imagen corporal. Participaron 14 mujeres en tratamiento en un hospital de notoriedad en oncología, en la región de Cariri-CE, Brasil. La recolección de datos ocurrió entre mayo y julio/2009 mediante una entrevista semiestructurada. Luego, los datos fueron catalogados según el discurso de los sujetos. Prevalecieron mujeres entre 38 a 48 años de edad, con relación conyugal estable y con hijos. La mayoría expresó su optimismo respecto a la patología, con sentimientos que van desde el miedo a la ansiedad. En cuanto al cuerpo, se observó la insatisfacción implícita en las pláticas. Se informó que, después del diagnóstico, ocurrieron cambios en sus vidas, incluyendo el cuidado del cuerpo, haciendo con que adquirieran nuevos valores. Se señala la necesidad de considerar los aspectos psicosociales al abordar pacientes con cáncer, con miras a una atención más integral y humana a esos pacientes.

Pretendeu-se conhecer os sentimentos enfrentados por mulheres em quimioterapia anti-neoplásica quanto às alterações da imagem corporal. Participaram 14 mulheres em tratamento em um hospital de referência em oncologia da região do Cariri-CE, Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre maio e julho/2009 mediante a utilização de uma entrevista semiestruturada. Em seguida, os dados foram categorizados segundo o discurso dos sujeitos. Prevaleceram mulheres entre 38 e 48 anos, com relacionamento conjugal estável e filhos. A maioria demonstrou otimismo em relação à patologia, oscilando com sentimentos de medo e ansiedade. No tocante ao corpo, notou-se descontentamento implícito nas falas. Foi relatado que, após o diagnóstico, mudanças ocorreram em suas vidas, incluindo o cuidado com o corpo, que as fizeram adquirir novos valores. Aponta-se a necessidade de considerar os aspectos psicossociais na abordagem de pacientes com câncer, visando a um atendimento mais integral e humano a essa clientela.