Meaning of leprosy for people who have experienced treatment during the sulfonic and multidrug therapy periods

• Published in: Revista latino-americana de enfermagem Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 620 - 627
• Main Authors: Santos, Karen da Silva, Fortuna, Cinira Magali, Santana, Fabiana Ribeiro, Gonçalves, Marlene Fagundes Carvalho, Marciano, Franciele Maia, Matumoto, Silvia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo 01-08-2015; Universidade de São Paulo
• Subjects: Attitude to Health; Características Culturales; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Lepra; Leprostatic Agents - therapeutic use; Leprosy - drug therapy; Leprosy - psychology; NURSING; Prejuicio; Salud Pública; Sulfonic Acids - therapeutic use; Terapéutica; Public Health; Características Culturais; Terapéutica; Cultural Characteristics; Preconceito; Leprosy; Prejudice; Prejuicio; Terapêutica; Hanseníase; Therapeutics; Lepra; Características Culturales; Saúde Pública; Salud Pública
• ISSN: 0104-1169; 1518-8345; 1518-8345; 0104-1169
• DOI: 10.1590/0104-1169.0323.2596

to analyze the meanings of leprosy for people treated during the sulfonic and multidrug therapy periods.
qualitative nature study based on the Vigotski's historical-cultural approach, which guided the production and analysis of data. It included eight respondents who have had leprosy and were submitted to sulfonic and multidrug therapy treatments. The participants are also members of the Movement for Reintegration of People Affected by Leprosy.
the meanings were organized into three meaning cores: spots on the body: something is out of order; leprosy or hanseniasis? and leprosy from the inclusion in the Movement for Reintegration of People Affected by Leprosy.
the meanings of leprosy for people submitted to both regimens point to a complex construction thereof, indicating differences and similarities in both treatments. Health professionals may contribute to the change of the meanings, since these are socially constructed and the changes are continuous.