Profile of functionality of persons affected by leprosy

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the functioning and disability profile of persons affected by leprosy. Methods: a quantitative study, carried out with 43 people in six reference units with support groups for self-care in leprosy. A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule instrument were used. The analyses used descriptive statistics, the chi-square test of adjustment adequacy for categorical variables, binomial and Mann-Whitney. Results: the median (interquartile range) in the Participation, Mobility, Cognition and Life Activities domains were 37.5 (20.8-54.2), 25.0 (6.3-56.3), 20.0 (0.0-40.0) and 10.0 (0.0-40.0), respectively, representing the impact of the disease in these domains. Conclusion: the functionality scores were higher in the Participation and Mobility domains, reflecting physical disabilities, discrimination and stigma in the lives of people affected by leprosy.