Individual, socioeconomic and healthcare access factors influencing the delays in leprosy presentation, diagnosis and treatment: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the factors influencing the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in primary healthcare. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted on patients undergoing treatment in a priority hyperendemic region for leprosy control in northeastern Brazil. Interviews were conducted between September and December 2020 at primary healthcare centers. Data were analysed based on the basic interpretive qualitative structure according to Andersen and Newman's model of healthcare utilisation. RESULTS: Knowledge of leprosy symptoms influenced patients' search for a diagnosis. Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions experienced by patients made diagnosis and treatment difficult. Incorrect evaluations by health professionals caused difficulties and delays in obtaining a diagnosis of leprosy. Perceptions about the disease, such as non-acceptance of the disease and the adverse effects of the medications, affected treatment seeking and treatment continuity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with leprosy faced delays and healthcare access barriers related to knowledge of the disease, socioeconomic conditions and the structure of healthcare services, which must be considered when creating care plans, surveillance and control actions against leprosy. Appropriate interventions are necessary to reduce delays and better control the disease.

Fatores influenciadores do conhecimento dos estudantes de enfermagem sobre hanseníase: estudo transversal / Factors influencing nursing students' knowledge about hansen's disease: a cross-section study

Aim: to identify the factors that influence Nursing students' knowledge about Hansen's disease. Method: this is a cross-section study with a quantitative approach, performed from May to June 2016. The sample was composed by 167 Nursing students of a public university located in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Result: the majority of students knows the main aspects of the disease. Factors such as being single, not having another occupation or income, to live with few other people, and search for information with professor were associated to a higher level of understanding about leprosy. Female students demonstrated less chances to know about Hansen's disease. Conclusion: Nursing students know about leprosy, however there are still questions regarding the transmission of the illness.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar os fatores que influenciam o conhecimento de estudantes de Enfermagem sobre hanseníase. Método: estudo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado no período de maio a junho de 2016. A amostra foi constituída por 167 estudantes de Enfermagem de uma universidade pública do Nordeste do Brasil. Resultado: a maioria dos estudantes conhece os principais aspectos da doença. Fatores como ser solteiro, não possuir outra ocupação nem atividade remunerada, morar com poucas pessoas e buscar informações com os professores estavam associados ao maior conhecimento sobre hanseníase. Estudantes do sexo feminino demonstraram menores chances de conhecer a doença. Conclusão: os estudantes de Enfermagem possuem conhecimento sobre hanseníase, porém ainda existem dúvidas quanto ao modo de transmissão da doença.(AU)