Surveillance of intradomiciliary contacts of leprosy cases: perspective of the client in a hyperendemic municipality

Objective: To characterize approach methods for intradomiciliary contacts (IdC) of leprosy cases resident in Northern Brazil, during 2001-2012. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study in the state of Rondônia. Included IdC of leprosy cases diagnosed/ reported in SINAN-Ministry of Health (MS), 2001-2012. A semi-structured instrument was applied to the IdCs, with six interventions: complete dermatological examination; complete neurological examination; BCG vaccination; instructions for return to the health unit; BCG guidance; and guidance to mobilize other contacts. Results: From a total of 459 IdCs included, failure to perform the dermatological examination was reported by 191 people (41.6%) and the neurological examination, by 252 (54.9%); 138 (30.1%) did not have BCG indicated and 122 (26.6%) did not receive guidelines; 257 (56.0%) were not advised to return for a new evaluation/follow-up and 186 (40.5%) were not asked to mobilize other contacts. Conclusion: Despite the favorable indicators of IdC examination coverage in the state, the evaluation process presents patterns that indicate operational quality failures

Surveillance of intradomiciliary contacts of leprosy cases: perspective of the client in a hyperendemic municipality

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize approach methods for intradomiciliary contacts (IdC) of leprosy cases resident in Northern Brazil, during 2001-2012. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study in the state of Rondônia. Included IdC of leprosy cases diagnosed/reported in SINAN-Ministry of Health (MS), 2001-2012. A semi-structured instrument was applied to the IdCs, with six interventions: complete dermatological examination; complete neurological examination; BCG vaccination; instructions for return to the health unit; BCG guidance; and guidance to mobilize other contacts. Results: From a total of 459 IdCs included, failure to perform the dermatological examination was reported by 191 people (41.6%) and the neurological examination, by 252 (54.9%); 138 (30.1%) did not have BCG indicated and 122 (26.6%) did not receive guidelines; 257 (56.0%) were not advised to return for a new evaluation/follow-up and 186 (40.5%) were not asked to mobilize other contacts. Conclusion: Despite the favorable indicators of IdC examination coverage in the state, the evaluation process presents patterns that indicate operational quality failures

Plantas medicinais que ajudam no controle da ansiedade

Objective: To identify medicinal plants that help to control symptoms caused by anxiety, the parts of the plants used, benefits, harms, contraindications and drug interactions. Methods: The study was a qualitative literature review that used articles published on the PUBMED platform. Articles that have been published in the last 12 years, written in English and free on the platform in their entirety, were used as a criterion. Exclusion criteria were articles that did not address the proposed theme, bibliographic reviews, editorial, errata and mini reviews. Results: Medicinal plants that showed efficacy in controlling anxiety were mainly Melissa officinalis L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Passiflora incarnata L. and Valeriana officinalis L. Conclusion: Medicinal plants can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms, but it is necessary to use them. them for a while to see the desired effects. In addition, it is necessary to use them with care as they can cause adverse effects and interact with some medications.Objetivo: Identificar plantas medicinais que ajudam a controlar sintomas causados pela ansiedade, as partes utilizadas das plantas, benefícios, malefícios, contraindicação e interações medicamentosas. Métodos: O estudo foi uma revisão bibliográfica qualitativa que utilizou artigos publicados na plataforma PUBMED. Utilizou-se como critério artigos que tenham sido publicados nos últimos 12 anos, escritos na língua inglesa e gratuitos na plataforma na sua integralidade. Os critérios de exclusão foram artigos que não abordassem a temática proposta, revisões bibliográficas, editorial, errata e mini revisões. Resultados: As plantas medicinais que mostraram eficácia no controle da ansiedade foram principalmente a Melissa officinalis L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Passiflora incarnata L. e Valeriana officinalis L. Conclusão: As plantas medicinais podem ser utilizadas a fim de reduzir os sintomas da ansiedade, porém é necessário utilizá-las durante um tempo para perceber os efeitos desejados. Além disso, é necessário utilizá-las com cuidado pois elas podem causar efeitos adversos e interagir com alguns medicamentos

Factors Associated with Multibacillary Leprosy in a Priority Region for Disease Control in Northeastern Brazil: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background. Leprosy is an infectious disease that can lead to physical disabilities and stigmatization. It remains an important public health problem, especially in Brazil. Objective. To analyse sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with multibacillary leprosy in a hyperendemic region of the disease in northeastern Brazil. Method. This is a retrospective observational study with secondary data acquired from 2012 to 2015, from a group of leprosy cases reported in a reference outpatient clinic for the treatment and followup of leprosy in the city of Imperatriz, Maranhao, in northeastern Brazil. Results. From 905 new cases of leprosy studied, 656 (72.5%) were classified as multibacillary leprosy and 249 (27.5%) as paucibacillary leprosy. We observed that men were more likely to present 5 to 15 skin lesions (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.18-1.49; p 15 skin lesions (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09 -1.45; p = 0.005) and a lower chance of having <5 skin lesions (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.59-0.76; p <0.0001). Women were more likely to have no affected nerves compared to men (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.20-1.77; p <0.0001). The age range of 16 to 60 years showed a greater chance of having <5 skin lesions (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.007-1.20; p = 0.03) and a lower chance of having 5 to 15 skin lesions (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23; p= 0.008) and a lower chance of being a grade I disability ( CI= 0.73-0.94; p=0.83) and II (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.77-0.98; p=000.1). Conclusion. Cases of multibacillary leprosy were associated with male gender, low educational level, and clinical variables such as number of skin lesions and grade I or II disability