Practices in the healthcare of children and adolescents with leprosy: the discourse of professionals

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the health care practices of children and adolescents with leprosy from the speeches of health professionals. Method: Qualitative research conducted with 23 health professionals who attended children and adolescents with leprosy in primary and secondary care in a municipality in the state of Pernambuco, from April to July 2018, through semi-structured interviews. Data were subjected to content analysis. Results: The practice of health care was apprehended from the following categories of analysis: “Embracement in leprosy”, “Clinical practice” and “Education in Health”, with limitations in meeting the particularities of the studied population. Conclusions: Limiting aspects in health care practice contribute to the difficulties in controlling the disease, requiring the development of best practice recommendations that address the needs of children and adolescents.