Monitoring of leprosy-related reactions in a city of the high backlands of Paraí­ba

Abstract

Objective: to verify the follow-up of cases of leprosy reactions in Primary Health Care in the city of Cajazeiras - Paraí­ba. Method: it is a field research, with a descriptive character and quantitative approach. Result: regarding the follow-up by the Family Health Strategy (FHS), 59.1% were instructed to return to the unit after discharge if any sign or symptom of reaction appeared and 54.5% reported receiving guidance from professionals about leprosy reactions. However, 63.6% were diagnosed in a reference unit, despite knowing to return to FHS to perform follow-up. Conclusion: therefore, there is a need for professional qualifications for better monitoring. Thus, it is possible that the reactions are diagnosed early and that conducts are performed to monitor neural damage and prevent physical disabilities, preventing deformities that compromise the quality of life of these people.