Knowledge of the population regarding Hansen's disease, and local perception about the disease, present in the community members of Olinda, Brazil.
Background Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that has stigmatized people affected since ancient times until now. This has resulted in difficulties in the lives of those affected.
Purpose This study was conducted to analyze the knowledge of the population regarding Hansen’s disease, and the local perception about the disease, including the existent social stigma of community members in Olinda, Brazil.
Method A study on leprosy knowledge and attitudes was carried out in Olinda, one of the hyperendemic cities for Hansen’s disease in north-east of Brazil, on a random sample of 351 community members for the quantitative phase, and was asked to fill a KAP questionnaire. For the qualitative stage (n=24) were selected six members of representative sub-groups of the community: community members, index-cases, contacts and Health Care Professionals (HCP), and was asked to participate in a semi-structured interview. For the statistical analyses were performed descriptive analysis, frequency distribution and ANOVA analysis for the qualitative data in the SPSS software. For the qualitative analysis codification, categorization and interpretation of data was perform with the software Atlas.it
Results After the analysis of the data was identified that the study sample has a medium level of knowledge regarding Hansen’s disease (mean= 5.32; SD= 1.39). With an overall lack of awareness of symptoms of the disease (17.09% correct answers), causes of the disease (15.38%) and disease transmission (9.40%). During the interviews, it was also observed that the people with lack of knowledge regarding causes or transmission of the disease presented a worse perception of the disease and attitudes of rejection against the people affected, principally due to the fear of transmission of the disease to them or their family members. The components of the concept of health-related stigma were identified during the interviews. We also distinguish the types of stigma described in the extended Hidden Distress Model (Scambler), and the two categories of people involved.
Conclusion Hansen’s disease is still perceived by the community of Olinda, Brazil, as a highly contagious disease, which generates severe impairments in the people affected by it. The late diagnosis and lack of knowledge of Hansen’s disease by patients and health professionals are one of the leading causes of delayed diagnosis, wrong treatment, and generation of physical impairments. The stigma and preconceptions regarding the disease are strongly rooted in the community, generating an impact on the physical, socio-economic, and psychological well-being of the people affected by Hansen’s disease.