Contexto, vivência e percepção:

Objective: Understand the perceptions of people affected by Visceral Leishmaniasis about factors related to the context in which the disease occurs, as well as the understanding of the process of illness and treatment in the population studied.  Methodology: this is a qualitative research, with an empirical phenomenological approach, whose theoretical methodological procedures were referenced in Amedeo Giorgi. Between February and June 2014 interviews were conducted with residents of the city of Aracuai, who were at least eighteen years old and who had Visceral Leishmaniasis between the years 2007 and 2013. These were recorded and transcribed. Then, a first reading of the transcriptions was made in order to perceive the general meaning contained in them, later, they were made re-readings in order to identify the units of signification and finally the units analysis, results synthesis and categorization . Results: the analysis of interviews allowed the identification of four categories: hopelessness, clinical symptoms, transmission and socioeconomic impact. Conclusions: the difficulties experienced by the subjects with the diagnosis and treatment indicate the need for support that goes beyond medical care, which includes social assistance. In addition, it was possible to investigate the need for investments in permanent education programs for health professionals and health education for the population. These findings can serve to direct the conduct of health professionals towards patients and subsidize prevention and control actions with greater possibilities of reach and effectiveness.