A visita domiciliar do agente comunitário de saúde ao paciente com Hanseníase

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease, manifested through dermatoneurological signs and symptoms, arising from infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The home environment is one of the main means of transmission of the disease, so the approach of the Family Health Strategy to patients with leprosy at home should involve all patient communicators. The Basic Health Unit is the community's gateway to the local health system, with Community Health Agents the link between them. The objective of this study was to analyze the home visit of Community Health Agents in Sinop in the prevention and control of leprosy through the orientation of preventive measures and self-care. This is a quantitative cross-sectional research. The study was conducted with 51 Community Health Agents at monthly meetings, at 18 Basic Health Units, in the municipality of Sinop. The collected data were entered and tabulated in a program of tables and statistical calculations. With the application of the questionnaire it can be observed that the interviewees have sufficient knowledge about the main symptoms, forms of transmission, contact evaluation and treatment for leprosy; however, they do not provide correct guidance on BCG vaccine indications. It was also found that the majority of respondents participated in training on the subject and provide the necessary guidance during the home visit. These results are opposite to those found by other studies, which did not consider the knowledge of the professionals satisfactory. This fact may be related to length of service, level of study and qualifications performed. Through this research it was verified that the professionals act satisfactorily in the actions of prevention and control of Leprosy through the orientation of preventive measures and self-care.