Auriculotherapy as a treatment to improve the life quality of the workers of CRAS in Blumenau-SC: pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of life reflects individual and collectives perspectives, being influenced by socioeconomics and psychological aspects besides the experiences of each individual. This way, search for alternative and complementary practices who help in maintenance of this quality is very import. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of this practice in improving the life quality of the workers of the Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS) in the city of Blumenau, SC, Brazil. Material and methods: Data collection was carried out by applying two questionnaires before and after the treatment, the Brazilian version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire - SF-36 and the Lipp Test - ISS. Five auriculotherapy sessions were held with each worker. The results of each patient were examined individually using graphs and discussed among them. Results: When the individual results of each patient were examined by using the Quality of Life Questionnaire - SF-36, it could be seen that 80% of the workers improved in 4 or more of the 8 domains. Patients 1, 3, and 5 improved in 50% of the domains. Patient 4 showed improved in only 2 domains and patient 2 had the most expressive effect, improvement in 6 of 8 domains. The results found at the end of the treatment were positive, both when the patients were examined individually and in relation to each domain of the Quality of Life Questionnaire - SF-36. Conclusions: The life quality reflects individual and collective perspectives, being influenced by socioeconomic and psychological aspects, and by the experiences of each individual.Thus, seeking complementary practices that help maintain this quality is of paramount importance.