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Deficiencies and disabilities in leprosy: from the diagnosis to discharge by cure

Abstract

The aim was to compare the level of physical disability of the affected body sites, the deficiencies and disabilities present in affected nerves in the diagnosis and discharge of leprosy patients. This is a study developed between 2009 and 2014 in a reference center for leprosy in Paraíba. It involved 414 medical records, using a structured form. The data were analyzed using descriptive (absolute frequency and percentage) and inferential (Wilcoxon’s and Mcnemar’s tests) statistical techniques. There was a decrease of impairment in body sites (nose p=0.000), in disabilities (dryness p=0.002 and wound p=0.000 on the nose and ulcer p=0.004 in the feet) and, of the number of affected nerves (p=0.000) between the diagnosis and discharge by cure. In the analysis of the years 2009-2014, a reduction of patients presenting level 2 of physical disability was noted. Therefore, in conclusion, even after the discharge, the patients are favorable to develop or to aggravate physical disabilities, needing periodical accompaniment.

More information

Type
Journal Article
Author
Santana EMF
Brito Ç
Nogueira JA
Leadebal ODCP
Costa MML
Silva MA
Soares ÚGO