Primary Health Care Essential and Derivative Attributes in Children and Adolescents With Leprosy

Abstract

Objective: to assess the presence and extension of Primary Health Care essential and derivative attributes in the assistance provided to children and adolescents with leprosy. Method: a cross-sectional study of an evaluative nature, with a quantitative approach. The information was obtained through interviews with nurses and physicians (n=37) working at Primary Health Care units in the care of children and adolescents with leprosy in the municipality of Parauapebas, Pará, Brazil, between October 2021 and February 2022. Mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviation values were used in the descriptive analyses, as well as the Levene test, Student's t-test. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient and a 5% confidence level. Results: 45.9% of the study participants had attended up to two training programs in leprosy care and 32.4% were trained in minors with the disease. When analyzing the mean values of each attribute, low orientation of the service provided and lower values of the general mean were observed in the analysis of attributes related to Access and Continued Care (score 3.4, SD±1.3; and score 3.8, SD±1.7 respectively). There was a regular positive correlation in most of the evaluated attributes and a significant strong positive correlation between care coordination and Professional/Community Orientation: r=0.601 and r=0.651, respectively. Conclusion: there is evidence of weaknesses in health care for children and adolescents with leprosy related to low service orientation; however, qualification in Care coordination exerts a positive influence on Professional orientation and Community orientation with an impact on service surveillance.