Hanseníase e práticas da comunicação: Estudo de recepção de materiais educativos em um serviço de saúde no Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This study analyzed the reception of educational materials among individuals with Hansen's disease who were attended within primary healthcare in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The aim was to identify the patients' views on the materials, and this group's meanings and representations regarding the disease. This was a qualitative study undertaken in 2008, for which the reference point was the social production of meanings. A focus group was conducted to analyze 20 materials destined for the population and for the patients. The patients discussed the neurological symptoms, the disease complications and their effects on people's lives. It was concluded that use of educational materials in group activities in healthcare clinics favors better comprehension of the clinical, psychological, social and cultural aspects of Hansen's disease and contributes towards improving the dialogue between users and the healthcare team.