Limitação de atividades e participação social entre usuários de um grupo de autocuidado em Hanseníase.

Abstract

Leprosy being a disease of infectious or contagious chronic disease, which affects the peripheral nervous system, causes loss of sensation and muscle paralysis that when not diagnosed and treated appropriately can evolve into permanent physical disabilities. The appearance of disabilities before or after treatment of the disease can be a great indicator of quality of life and social participation. Considering the existence of a Self-Care Group (SCG) in Cajazeiras - PB, where it stimulates the prevention of disabilities and self-care, we aimed to assess the limitation of activities and the social participation among the SCG users in leprosy, tracing a socio-demographic profile and verifying the existence of relationship among the scores of the scales by also assessing the limitation of activities and the social participation of the group members. The research was of a descriptive, exploratory and quantitative kind, effected with the participants in the meetings of the SCG which are held in the Health Department of Cajazeiras, where through contact, a search was made in their households. The period of data collection occurred during one week, at the homes of the participants from 11.14.2011 to 11/18/2011. The data collection instruments utilized were a form of identification, the SALSA scale and the scale of social participation. The results that we can highlight are that of the 7 research participants, 57% are male. 43% are aged between 47 and 58, 57% have an incomplete elementary education schooling, 86% live in urban areas and household income ranges from less than one minimum wage up to 3 minimum wages, leaving only 14% with an income greater than 3 salaries. The score of risk awareness of the SALSA scale varied in equal proportions at 1, 2 and 3 points; 72% of the participants have mild limitation, according to the SALSA score and in the scale of participation 43% marked no restriction on the total scores. The obtained results are important contributions for a reflection concerning the relationship that exists between the scales applied and adherence to the use of both for evaluation of limitation on activities and social participation at the time of the disease diagnosis, during treatment and post-discharge. Warning about the importance of looking at the patients as a whole, both in the physical sphere, as well as psychic and social, in order to improve the actions of prevention of disabilities, ensuring a better quality of life for individuals affected by leprosy.