ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the self-care practices on the face, hands and feet carried out by people affected by Hansen’s disease.
METHODOLOGY
A qualitative study, carried out in reference units for Hansen’s disease in Pernambuco, between May 2014 and April 2015, with 24 people. Data was collected through the semi-structured interview and content analysis was carried out.
RESULTS
Two categories emerged: Knowledge and execution of self-care practices in Leprosy and Singularities and challenges for self-care. The study found that respondents are familiar with information about face, hand and foot care, but report difficulties such as low income to acquire material for self-care, lack of time, and some lack of interest. Most of them already presented a degree of incapacity.
CONCLUSIONS
The training of professionals who work on the empowerment of people facing the disease, guidelines on prevention of disabilities and access to inputs for carrying out self-care are necessary.
Keywords:
Leprosy; Self-care; Secondary prevention; Tertiary prevention