Prevention of Disabilities Due to Leprosy in the Training of Professionals at the First Level of Care

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a stigmatizing disease that causes deformities and disabilities, which imply a social impact on those who suffer from it, the family and the community. Early diagnosis, proper management of leprous reactions, and timely treatment are vital for their control, because it cures the patient, interrupts transmission, and prevents disabilities.

Objective: To establish leprosy prevention actions in the training of professionals at the first level of care.

Methods: A literature review was conducted from January to March 2023. Google Scholar, PubMed, and SciELO were used as search engines. The keywords leprosy, diagnostic ability, prevention and rehabilitation were used. The reviewed articles were usually less than 10 years old and referred to the topic of study through the title. Of the 52 articles retrieved, 23 were selected for research.

Conclusions: Disability due to leprosy is avoidable; so medical, social, political and scientific efforts must be joined to project them towards prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment and rehabilitation of patients affected by this disease.