OBJECTIVE: Wilson disease (WD) is a rare congenital disease that causes hepatic, neurological or lenticular degeneration due to the accumulation of copper. Sometimes it is incapacitating with implications in the quality of life of those affected and their families. The objective of this work was to identify the needs of medical staff and the social and emotional needs of patients with WD and their families.METHODS: A qualitative research was developed in the Valencian Region during 2015-2016, five interviews with medical staff and two focus groups were made, one with family members and another with patients using a script divided into: diagnosis, treatment, health care and quality of life. The information was collected in audio/video and transcribed. An analysis of discourse (professional vs family/affected) determining needs was made.RESULTS: Medical staff need more knowledge about this pathology. Better educational training for them would facilitate the diagnosis. Families and patients need more information about the guidelines for the treatment's administration and foods that should be excluded from the diet. The correct administration of the treatment will allow those affected to improve their quality of life with a total or partial recovery of their symptoms..CONCLUSIONS: Peru has made significant progress in reducing chronic malnutrition in children, but it still represents a health problem due to high prevalence in the sierra and expansion to jungles districts in 2016. Policies and programs should continue and enhance to avoid the high burden of disease that generates malnutrition in the development of children.
Child Family