Impact of primary hyperhidrosis on the life of physical education academics of a university in the Brazilian Northeast

• Published in: Motriz : Revista de Educação Física. Unesp 2019, Vol.25 (2)
• Main Authors: Campos, Joana Julia Goes de, Figueiredo, Maria Bernadete Galrão de Almeida, Dias, Edna Santos, Ferrari, Yasmim Anayr Costa, Leão, Sydney Correia, Andrade, Renata Lima Batalha de, Araujo, Naiana Mota, Almeida, Maria Tainar Barbosa de, Lima, Maria Marta Prado, Lima, Sonia Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: disease impact profile; quality of life; SPORT SCIENCES; student health; sweat disease
• ISSN: 1980-6574; 1980-6574
• DOI: 10.1590/s1980-6574201900020006

Abstract Aim: To assess the prevalence, quality of life (QoL), and the damages caused by PH, in the professional and personal scope of Physical Education academics with Primary Hyperhidrosis (PH). Methods: A descriptive, exploratory, qualitative and quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out. Twenty-five students from the physical education course at Tiradentes University, Aracaju-SE, were interviewed from August to November 2017. Validated questionnaires were used on PH’s influence in academic activities and QoL. absolute and relative frequencies in the case of categorical variables and measures of trend and central variability in the case of numerical variables. Results: The prevalence of PH in students of Physical Education was 11.11%, mainly in combined sites, such as palmoplantar, and with no difference between the sexes. The symptoms started mostly during childhood and adolescence. Most of the interviewees (92%) reported difficulties with activities such as sports, use of personal protective equipment, handling of work equipment and instruments, and exacerbation in stress situations. They reported significant harm to QoL in situations of greeting people with handshakes, writing, wearing socks and dancing socially. Conclusion: Although PH is a disease that negatively impacts the QoL, it is still little known in the academic world with little demand for medical help. Therefore, it is necessary greater dissemination of the disease for its early diagnosis, related to the intensity of the sweating for a better therapeutic approach.