LEPROSY: UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY AGENTS OF HEALTH

Abstract

Objectives: To verify how the Community Health Workers (CHWs) understand leprosy and propose educative actions to the strengthening of this understanding. Method: A descriptive study, qualitative and quantitative, that followed the ethical principles of the 196/96 Resolution. The sample consisted of 14 community health workers (CHWs), which work in Family Health Units in the city of Guarabira (PB). Data were collect between March and April 2010, through a structured instrument. Qualitative analysis was done through technique of collective subject discourse and quantitative data were analyzed from the absolute numbers and percentages. Results: The study proved that CHWs have a limited understanding in relation to the signs and symptoms of the pathology, that the process of qualification is disjointed, although they have conscience of the possibility of healing and the types of medication for each clinical form of the disease. Conclusion: Based on the answers provided, it is concluded that inadequate understanding of health professionals in relation to leprosy becomes deficient the actions of promotion, protection and recovery of the disease, which affects the quality of life of the population served. DESCRIPTORS Leprosy. Health education. Promotion of health.