Adesão ao tratamento da hanseníase por pacientes acompanhados em unidades básicas de saúde de Imperatriz-MA

Abstract

Hansen’s disease is still a major public health problem in Brazil. Irregular treatment and abandonment have constituted one of the main obstacles for the control of the disease. This current study had as objective to analyze the factors that influenced the patients to miss or abandon treatment. This was a descriptive and exploratory study involving a sample of 30 patients, who had missed or abandoned treatment in the 2009 and 2010 period. We used a semi-structured script in the interviews. The reasons alleged by the patients for absence or abandonment were grouped in extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors were cited by 56.7% of the interviewees as reason for missing or abandonment, and extrinsic ones by 43.3%. The results indicate that absence or abandonment were more common in females (53.3%), aged between 20 and 59 years (70%), with stable union (56.7%), with little schooling and monthly income between 1 and 2 minimal wages (73.3%). The dimorphic clinical form (56.7%) and multibacillary operational classification (86.7%) were predominant. When asked about Hansen’s disease, 53.3% alleged not knowing information on the disease. Considering the data presented, there is a need for an action reformulation, in order to promote further guidance for patients and improve case monitoring.