Objective: to analyze the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS and its relationship with sociodemographic variables, health satisfaction and time since diagnosis.Method: quantitative, cross-sectional study with a sample of 100 HIV positive people monitored in a specialized service in southeastern Brazil. Sociodemographic and health forms were applied, followed by the WHOQOL-HIV BREF, a short form instrument validated to evaluate the quality of life. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed. Results: the perception of quality of life was intermediate in all quality of life domains. A relationship was identified between greater satisfaction with health and better quality of life, as well as statistically significant differences among the dimensions of quality of life according to gender, employment status, family income, personal income, religious beliefs and time since diagnosis.Conclusions: the time since the diagnosis of HIV infection enables reconfigurations in the perception of quality of life, while spirituality and social relationships can assist in coping with living with this disease.

Breast cancer remains significantly distressing and produces profound changes in women’s lives. Spirituality is an important resource at the time of diagnosis and treatment decisions. This qualitative study aimed to explore the spiritual experience of women diagnosed with breast cancer and the considerations of spirituality in health care using the existential phenomenology approach. The sampling procedure was intentional, based on the study’s exclusion and inclusion criteria. Forty women participated in individual interviews. The research was conducted in the outpatient clinic of a reference federal university hospital in South-Eastern Brazil. Throughout the research process, ethical principles were carefully followed. Five themes were identified: (1) meaning of spirituality–source of spiritual strength, (2) well-being in the relationship with God, (3) well-being in religious fellowship, (4) values and purpose of life–meaning in life, and (5) spirituality as a foundation to continue. Respect for patient’s spiritual values was recognised as a fundamental principle in health care. Spirituality was revealed as a source of support during the complex process of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Thus, health care professionals that value and encourage spirituality are needed, favouring better patient response to the diagnosis.

Introduction: Social isolation is one of the preventive measures during pandemics to reduce the transmission of new viruses, but it can have serious psychological repercussions. In this perspective, this study aims to reflect on the psychological phases and the meaning of life, unveiled by Viktor Frankl from the experience in concentration camps, relating to the current moment of social isolation due to the COVID-19. Method: Reflective description, with a phenomenological-existential basis by Viktor Frankl and his book ¨Em Busca de Sentido¨, as well as related national and international literature. Results: As a reflection between Frankl's experience and the current reactions of people in social isolation, the three psychological phases to be discussed are: 1) the State of Shock: A Pandemic in a globalized world 2) Apathy, adaptation and the meaning of life in fields: Unveiling the meaning in dark times and 3) Third: After being released: What to expect or what to do Final considerations: This study allowed to verify that the psychological and behavioral reactions in a state of confinement, were similar between concentration camps and the current social isolation. Frankl's experience of finding meaning in life in times of suffering is an example of overcoming and surviving for people experiencing social isolation in times of pandemic.

Objective: to verify the application of the Merleau-Pontyan perspective on the physical and psychological implications of chronic venous ulcers in the existence of people who experience the disease. Method: a qualitative study, of the descriptive phenomenological type, developed with 36 patients. The field of investigation was the Outpatient Clinic of Wound Repair of the Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro. The collection occurred from June to December 2016, through a phenomenological interview. Results: the experiences inherent in people who have venous ulcers pass through the world and “return” to the body itself, reflecting on the biopsychosocial aspects and the sensitivity left on the being. Conclusion: the biological characteristics of the subject affected by the venous ulcer have repercussions on their physical aspect, promoting influences along with the emotional and social changes originating from the clinical picture on the social aspects and consequently reverberating on the quality of life of this individual.

Objective: To analyze health as a right from the perspective of care of the self, in the conception of nursing professionals. Method: Qualitative study, carried out in a Federal Hospital of the city of Rio de Janeiro, with the participation of 10 nurses and 20 nursing technicians through interviews recorded, transcribed and analyzed in light of the Discursive Textual Analysis. Results: Two categories emerged: Health as the right of professionals and their "non-right" to health; and Care of the self for the health professional: work and torture. Conclusion: There are many challenges to overcome, such as the search for satisfactory public funding, the need to improve the quality of Primary Health Care services, the implementation of a care model compatible with the country's demographic and epidemiological situation; all professionals need an effective endorsement for care of the self, such as their knowledge of the right to health.