02150nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002200054653001200076653002300088653002300111100001200134700001500146700001300161700001200174700001300186700001200199700001500211700001100226700001700237245015400254520147400408022001401882       2023                            d  c08/202310aHealth management10aleprosy10aNeglected Diseases10aPrimary healthcare1 aSerra M1 ada Silva R1 aMonari F1 aSilva J1 aJunior J1 aSilva R1 aFontoura I1 aNeto M1 ade Araújo M00aIndividual, socioeconomic and healthcare access factors influencing the delays in leprosy presentation, diagnosis and treatment: a qualitative study.3 a<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study investigated the factors influencing the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in primary healthcare.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative research was conducted on patients undergoing treatment in a priority hyperendemic region for leprosy control in northeastern Brazil. Interviews were conducted between September and December 2020 at primary healthcare centers. Data were analysed based on the basic interpretive qualitative structure according to Andersen and Newman's model of healthcare utilisation.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>Knowledge of leprosy symptoms influenced patients' search for a diagnosis. Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions experienced by patients made diagnosis and treatment difficult. Incorrect evaluations by health professionals caused difficulties and delays in obtaining a diagnosis of leprosy. Perceptions about the disease, such as non-acceptance of the disease and the adverse effects of the medications, affected treatment seeking and treatment continuity.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Patients with leprosy faced delays and healthcare access barriers related to knowledge of the disease, socioeconomic conditions and the structure of healthcare services, which must be considered when creating care plans, surveillance and control actions against leprosy. Appropriate interventions are necessary to reduce delays and better control the disease.</p>
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