TY - JOUR KW - Leprosy KW - Self-care KW - self-help groups (SHGs) AU - do Nascimento R. D AU - de Sousa I. M. C AU - de Melo C. P. L AU - dos Santos D. C. M AB -

Objective: To understand the creation and development of support groups for leprosy in a state in the northeast of Brazil.

Methods: Qualitative study conducted with three groups in northeast Brazil, from February to December 2019. Data collection included interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the content analysis technique, considering preestablished topics: implementation, organization, and continuity of the groups.

Results: The most common reasons presented by the groups for the implementation were the needs to expand care and optimize working time. The stigma and service organization issues were obstacles to implementation. The most relevant factor for the continuity of groups was the involvement of the coordinators in the activities. Support from external actors, such NGOs and universities, was relevant to implementation and continuity.

Final considerations: Similarities and differences among groups are related to participants, actions to foster the groups, health policy support, and interference from external actors. Support groups for leprosy self-care are spaces that strengthen the practice of care. This study contributed to implement or reorganize self-care support groups.

BT - Physis: Revista de Saúde Coletiva LA - Por, Eng N2 -

Objective: To understand the creation and development of support groups for leprosy in a state in the northeast of Brazil.

Methods: Qualitative study conducted with three groups in northeast Brazil, from February to December 2019. Data collection included interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the content analysis technique, considering preestablished topics: implementation, organization, and continuity of the groups.

Results: The most common reasons presented by the groups for the implementation were the needs to expand care and optimize working time. The stigma and service organization issues were obstacles to implementation. The most relevant factor for the continuity of groups was the involvement of the coordinators in the activities. Support from external actors, such NGOs and universities, was relevant to implementation and continuity.

Final considerations: Similarities and differences among groups are related to participants, actions to foster the groups, health policy support, and interference from external actors. Support groups for leprosy self-care are spaces that strengthen the practice of care. This study contributed to implement or reorganize self-care support groups.

PY - 2024 SP - 1 EP - 21 T2 - Physis: Revista de Saúde Coletiva TI - Creation and development of support groups for leprosy self-care in a state in the northeast of Brazil UR - https://www.scielo.br/j/physis/a/zQRKDtW85vbsdBvWFTPFFKK/?format=pdf&lang=en VL - 34 ER -