Assessment of the attributes of primary health care in leprosy control actions

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the presence and extent of the attributes of primary health care in leprosy control measures in the view of health professionals. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 251 primary health care personnel in Betim. The Assessment Instrument primary care performance in leprosy control measures was used through interviews, with scores calculated as means of Likert Scale responses. The study was approved by the research ethics committee of Minas Gerais Federal University. Results: Strengths (≥ 6.6) were service orientation to gateway attributes, comprehensiveness of services available and provided, and the family; and weaknesses (<6.6) were access, and orientation towards the community and health professionals. Conclusion: When evaluating the presence and extent of the attributes, the health professionals found deficiencies that impaired the quality of leprosy control measures. Measures to address the endemic must be integrated into primary care in order to eliminate this serious public health problem.