Therapeutic summer camp as a modality of social thermalism for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Balneotherapy is a treatment that has favored people with rheumatic diseases, by decreasing pain and extending functional mobility. Objectives: To characterize the sample according to clinical epidemiological variables, and to describe the emotional states and protective psychological resources of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis attended at the therapeutic summer camp. Methods: An observational, prospective study with pre/post-treatment evaluation was carried out in San Diego de los Baños thermal resort, Pinar del Río province, during two annual fifteen-day stays. The universe was made up of 20 school children and adolescents. The techniques used were observation, interview, drawing and game. Results: Females predominated, an average of twelve years of age, eight and four years from the beginning and evolution of the disease, respectively. 90% were grouped into functional classes I and II. 15% of the subjects remained with anguish, irritability and social withdrawal; 20% depressed and selfabsorbed; 20% with insecurity unable to manage to overcome. School maladjustment disappeared. Protective psychological
resources, verbal expression of positive emotions and stable volitional behaviors stood out. Conclusions: The therapeutic summer camp as a modality of social thermalism, for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, favored the reduction of negative emotional states and the enhancement of protective psychological resources