Abstract
Background: Leprosy is an infectious disease that is manifested in dermatological signs and symptoms and can interfere with activities of daily living. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of leprosy patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 41 patients diagnosed with leprosy, treated between 2011 and 2013. The SALSA scale was applied to check the limitations in activities of daily living and data were analysed quantitatively and statistically. Result: The patients were aged between 23 and 59 years, mostly male, with a high prevalence of tuberculoid leprosy, without co-morbidities and outpatient discharge. The SALSA scale score was relevant for individuals without limitations in domains such as mobility, self-care, work and dexterity. Conclusion: Patients have few limitations for carrying out their daily activities, as well as a low disability level.
Highlights
Leprosy is an infectious disease with dermatological signs and symptoms of slow evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an intracellular parasite with tropism for skin cells and peripheral nerves [1]
Seventy patients from the leprosy ambulatory of the Dermatology Centre of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (FMABC) were contacted and, from these, 41 patients were chosen to participate in the research protocol
The scale consists of 20 questions, which may be administered in about 10 minutes, and evaluates the limitations of daily activities divided into categories of mobility, dexterity, self-care and work, as well as the awareness of risk of people with leprosy or other peripheral neuropathies [6, 11]
Summary
This is a cross-sectional, exploratory and descriptive study, with convenience sampling and a quantitative approach. Inclusion criteria were: having leprosy or having undergone treatment for leprosy, regardless of the type and classification; being older than 18, both sexes; voluntary participation in the study and being aware of the Statement of Consent. Afterwards, the SALSA Scale (Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness) was applied. The scale consists of 20 questions, which may be administered in about 10 minutes, and evaluates the limitations of daily activities divided into categories of mobility, dexterity, self-care and work, as well as the awareness of risk of people with leprosy or other peripheral neuropathies [6, 11]. Non-parametric statistical data were analysed by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Kruskal-Wallis tests for mean differences between SALSA and Risk Awareness scores with the study variables age and vision. Non-parametric statistical data were analysed by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Kruskal-Wallis tests for mean differences between SALSA and Risk Awareness scores with the study variables age and vision. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant
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