Sociodemographic and clinical profile of hansen's disease patients in a specialized center

Abstract

This study aimed at highlighting socioeconomic and demographic conditions, clinical characteristics, disease trajectory and disability level among people with Hansen's disease. Observational, transversal and quantitative study. Developed in the city of Uberaba (MG) during september and octuber of 2014. The population of this study was composed by all patients diagnosed with Hansen's disease who have been being treated for the illness for at least 30 days (n=32). Most respondents were male (59.4%). Their age averaging at 49.28 years. 46.9% were brown skinned, 40.6% were single, and 40.6% had completed basic education. Skin patches were the most perceived symptom (43.8%). 81.3% of patients are multibacillary and 18.8% are paucibacillary. The degree of the physical disability was 0 for 18.8% people, and 1 for 37.5% of people, while 18.8% had the second degree. Correlations were found regarding age, familial income, and current status regarding both profession and education, all of those to the second degree of physical disability. The evaluation of patients should be routinely conducted, as would help in the achievement of early diagnoses, which would help to avoid the physical disabilities which significantly compromise the quality of life of this population.