02273nas a2200217 4500000000100000008004100001260001200042100001400054700001800068700001400086700001300100700001600113700001400129700001600143245010100159856007300260300001400333490000700347520168700354022001402041 2020 d c01/20201 aCortela D1 aFerreira SM B1 aVirmond M1 aMieras L1 aSteinmann P1 aIgnotti E1 aCavaliero A00a[Acceptability of chemoprophylaxis in an endemic area for leprosy: the PEP-Hans Brazil Project]. uhttp://www.scielo.br/pdf/csp/v36n3/1678-4464-csp-36-03-e00068719.pdf ae000687190 v363 a

The aim was to analyze the acceptability of chemoprophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (PEP) in contacts, index leprosy cases, and health professionals and related factors that can influence adherence. A qualitative content analysis study was performed after application of semi-structured interviews according to the protocol proposed in the LPEP program (2016) drafted at Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, in July 2016. Study participants included individuals with leprosy, contacts, and health professionals. The QRS NVivo software version 10 was used. A total of 80 individuals were contacted, including 54 (67%) contacts, 11 (14%) index cases, and 15 (19%) health professionals. 94% of the contacts (51/54) took PEP. Three PEP categories were identified: understanding, acceptance, and expectation towards the intervention. Understanding proved to be related to care by the health team. Acceptance (or lack thereof) of the medication was related to fear, trust, and protection, the strategy's operability, self-esteem, and insecurity regarding the intervention. Expectation towards the intervention was related to wellbeing, prevention of the disease, sequelae, decrease in public expenditures, and expanded access. Participants acknowledged the relevance of the PEP strategy based on the possibility of interrupting the transmission chain, reduction in new cases, and improved quality of life. Insecurity in taking the medication and the possibility of the disease manifesting itself had a negative influence on acceptance of PEP, while prior information on the PEP strategy helped strengthen trust in the health professionals and the medication's acceptance.

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