O trabalho das enfermeiras na prevenção e controle da hanseníase em Salvador

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease of slow evolution, characterized by the involvement of superficial nerves of the skin and peripheral nerve trunks. The nurse, in primary health care, is responsible for monitoring the patient of this disease. Objective: To know the work of the nurse in the actions of prevention and control of leprosy. Methodology: Qualitative, descriptive study, conducted from semi-structured interviews, in the period of april 2019, at the Basic Health Units with or without the Family Health Unit in the Itapuã Sanitary District, in the city of Salvador-Ba. Results: It was evidenced that the health practices, performed by the nurses, were essential for health education, aiming at an elucidation of leprosy for the population. The awareness of the valorization of the work was developed with an aid of the disease for the society with the diminution of the stigmas and the disinformation. The main related challenges were work overload, lack of instrument and patient non-adherence to the disease. Final considerations: It was identified that health education as a leading mode of action against leprosy is not having the desired impact, considering that this Health District is the most endemic of the city, keeping the situation of the region as critical. It is recommended to review the nursing practices in this context, in order to adapt the actions to the health needs of the population served