02235nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260002400042653002400066653002100090653001800111653001200129653001100141100001500152700001300167700001300180700001500193700001700208700001600225245010000241856006700341490000700408520154100415022002501956       2025                            d  bFapUNIFESP (SciELO)10aPrimary Health Care10aHealth Education10aSocial stigma10aLeprosy10aHealth1 aSouza CVGD1 aSá CRFD1 aVale CCD1 aMatos WDVD1 aFerreira MDA1 aPalmeira IP00aAccess and accessibility in Primary Health Care: experiences of individuals affected by leprosy  uhttps://www.scielo.br/j/ean/a/qsdnj56xVvN8LxQtfrwzcwC/?lang=en0 v293 a<p><strong>Objective</strong> to examine the access and accessibility barriers faced by individuals affected by leprosy in meeting their healthcare needs.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong> this is a descriptive, qualitative study conducted between November 2021 and February 2022 in four Basic Health Units in Belém, Pará. A total of 29 individuals diagnosed with leprosy participated in the study. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews. The textual corpus was analyzed using IRAMUTEQ software.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong> Data processing generated 366 text segments and revealed six lexical classes. Lexical class 5 encompasses aspects related to treatment and the availability of medications at Health Units, the quality of care provided by healthcare professionals, and the absence of adequate health education. The conflict between the activities carried out by the Leprosy Control Program in Health Units and the principles of the Brazilian Unified Health System becomes evident through the challenges surrounding access and accessibility to treatment.</p>

<p><strong>Final considerations and implications for practice</strong> Overcoming territorial and regional challenges is crucial for the successful implementation of leprosy control measures within primary care. Urgent action is needed to reassess the shift scheduling process. Ongoing professional education, coupled with health education for users, creates a more welcoming environment and better addresses patients’ needs.</p>
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