Surveillance of intradomiciliary contacts of leprosy cases: perspective of the client in a hyperendemic municipality

• Main Authors: Helizandra Simoneti Bianchini Romanholo, Eliana Amorim de Souza, Alberto Novaes Ramos Júnior, Adélia Cileode Gomes Castelo Branco Kaiser, Ismália Oliveira da Silva, Aline Lima Brito, Cídia Vasconcellos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem
• Subjects: Lepra; Vigilancia; Busca de Comunicante; Prevención & Control; Epidemiología
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-71672018000100163&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize approach methods for intradomiciliary contacts (IdC) of leprosy cases resident in Northern Brazil, during 2001-2012. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study in the state of Rondônia. Included IdC of leprosy cases diagnosed/reported in SINAN-Ministry of Health (MS), 2001-2012. A semi-structured instrument was applied to the IdCs, with six interventions: complete dermatological examination; complete neurological examination; BCG vaccination; instructions for return to the health unit; BCG guidance; and guidance to mobilize other contacts. Results: From a total of 459 IdCs included, failure to perform the dermatological examination was reported by 191 people (41.6%) and the neurological examination, by 252 (54.9%); 138 (30.1%) did not have BCG indicated and 122 (26.6%) did not receive guidelines; 257 (56.0%) were not advised to return for a new evaluation/follow-up and 186 (40.5%) were not asked to mobilize other contacts. Conclusion: Despite the favorable indicators of IdC examination coverage in the state, the evaluation process presents patterns that indicate operational quality failures.