Late diagnosis under the perspective of therapeutic itineraries: Level 2 physical disabilities in hansen’s disease

Abstract

There are remarkable numbers of new leprosy cases with 2 (GIF 2) degree of physical disability, demonstrating the inefficient timely detection. This article presents case reports, based on a qualitative study, regarding four patients with Hansen’s disease and a GIF 2 level at the time of diagnosis, analyzing the late diagnosis from the perspective of therapeutic itineraries (TI). The cases came from two municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Baixada Santista: Praia Grande and São Vicente. Three men and one woman participated, between 45 and 61 years old. The researcher performed documentary analysis and in-depth interviews. Resulting data was submitted to content analysis and four thematic categories were identified: health care; body in leprosy; disabilities in leprosy; late diagnosis. The results reveal intricate therapeutic itineraries with obstacles for reaching a diagnosis. Lack of information about Hansen’s disease and professional inability to diagnose increased both individual and collective risks, in addition to the negative impact on the subjects’ daily lives. Thus, a late diagnosis due to the frailty of care strongly concurs to keep Hansen’s disease as a stigmatizing and disabling disease.