OBJECTIVE: To identify the elements that influence the assessment of quality of life made by people with chronic diseases living in a fishing community. METHODS: Data collection was done through focus groups, with participation of 22 persons. The data analysis was guided by four generic processes: apprehension, synthesis, theorization and transference. RESULTS: Three categories emerged, which represented the elements that influence the quality of life, according to these people, considering positive and negative aspects, strengths and difficulties, and conditions for the care of the chronic disease, in that community. CONCLUSION: Living in a fishing community within limited physical area, which has special social and cultural conditions, allows better interpersonal relations and favorable characteristics for chronic disease care; also, the quality of life of these patients can be improved.
Quality of life; Chronic illness; Nursing