Memórias do isolamento compulsório no Hospital-Colônia Tavares de Macedo - RJ (1936-1986)

Abstract

This thesis dells with the compulsory isolation in Tavares de Macedo leprosarium in Itaboraí, state of Rio de Janeiro, between 1936, foundation date of the colony, and 1986, when the compulsory isolation and the receiving of pension indemnity by people affected by leprosy end. In this period of the history of public policies to combat leprosy in Brazil, examines in particular, health actions and daily life of these patients, making a revision of the concept of total institution, usually adopted in addressing the issue. Memories collected from oral sources show peculiar processes and social relations in these experiences. This work discusses fear and compassion raised by lepers and charity acts, philanthropy and assistance that they receive, all of which alter social practices of persecution and discrimination of patients. In this experience, in particular, the work examines the initiatives of occupational therapy and also the use of low-wage workforce of patients admitted to many works which give them new direction in life. The thesis also shows that patients with leprosy build in the day-to-day their path to freedom. In the late 1940s, with monotherapy, although disease resistance to healing and health surveillance persisted, medical advances and negative tests of the disease will change the intensity of restriction of freedom of the patients. In 1986, under polychemotherapy, compulsory admissions come to an end, although there were patients who chose to remain in the colony. By examining ways of life and identity processes in these patients pursuits to overcome suffering, the research examines sociability, social networks, and actions of hospitalized patients related to the social environment, providing useful indications for the reconsideration of the history of compulsory isolation in Brazil.