Knowledge of users and professionals of primary health care about leprosy

This study aimed to describe the knowledge of users and health professionals in the context of Primary Health Care (PHC) on leprosy. This is an exploratory-descriptive research, under a qualitative approach, developed from September 2014 to September 2015, in Sobral, Ceará, Brazil. The study subjects were users of PHC in health services, with or without leprosy, and mid-level health professionals, in the categories of auxiliary and nursing technicians and community health agents. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews. The users, although their speeches presented divergences, many manifested to know the form of transmission, treatment, where to seek care, consequences and possibilities of cure of leprosy, but others, are not aware of this structure to cope with the disease. All though acknowledging access to diagnosis, treatment and cure, prejudice was emphasized by participants, considering it persistent in society. The participants stated that the knowledge gained was based on the guidance of PHC professionals, friends, family and the media. The main changes in life after diagnosis were related to drug treatment, which interfered with daily activities. It is important to highlight the family support in this course. The professionals consider that training is necessary and that the service remains active, providing a quality service. Admitting leprosy as a public health problem, investing in information and discussing / negotiating ways to address it, supports the possibility of reducing the burden of disease and discrimination of patients.