AÇÃO EDUCATIVA COMO INSTRUMENTO DO CONHECIMENTO À POPULAÇÃO SOBRE HANSENÍASE

Leprosy is an infectious contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which affects the peripheral nervous system (PNS), causing sensory and integumentary alterations that can cause important physical disabilities and progress to permanent deformities. It is considered one of the oldest diseases that affect humanity, and because it is an important cause of permanent sequelae and social stigma, it constitutes a public health problem, especially in low- and medium-developed countries. The aim of this study is to report the experience of nursing students in front of an educational action on leprosy from a conversation circle in a Municipal Health Unit. This research is an experience report, with a qualitative approach, carried out to from an activity in health education with patients who were in the waiting room awaiting consultation. As a member of the multidisciplinary team in primary care, the nurse must assist the leprosy patient from the moment of diagnosis, to post-discharge follow-up, with individualized and systematic care, enabling better interaction with the client, greater adherence to treatment, promotion of self-care and reduction of physical disabilities resulting from the disease. Based on the dynamics developed, one can observe the lack of information about leprosy, and the duty that health professionals must have with users who are not affected by the disease and with its carriers, to inform themselves and demystify the idea that leprosy is an irreversible disease, as it has a cure and treatment.