Training of Primary Health Care doctors in Hansen's disease

Abstract

Introduction:

Leprosy or Hansen's disease is an infectious bacterial disease that has long been considered a stigma.

Objective:

To characterize the preparation of Primary Health Care medical personnel on Hansen's disease.

Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was carried out during the months of July to September 2022. The study universe was made up of 102 family doctors from the 42 offices belonging to the ¨Ernesto Guevara¨ Teaching Polyclinic. The variables analyzed were: level of knowledge of medical personnel about Hansen's disease and factors related to professional preparation for the management of the disease in Primary Health Care. The absolute number and percentage were the statistical summary measures used.

Results:

61.77% of the medical personnel presented adequate knowledge about performing the dermatoneurological examination, followed by a 50.98% mastering the symptoms and signs of the disease. Among the factors related to professional preparation for the management of the disease, predominated the use of updated sources of information in 59.80% and the motivation for the topic in 56.86%.

Conclusions:

The preparation of the medical personnel who work in the Primary Health Care of the municipality of Niquero on Hansen's disease represents a strength in early early detection and adequate epidemiological control.