Abstract

MONTENEGRO VALERA, Isora et al. Knoledge of the family physicians about leprosy. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2006, vol.22, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3038.

An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the level of knowledge of the family physicians about leprosy in Limonar municipality from March to December, 2002. 36 family physicians from the offices corresponding to "Nelson Fernández" Teaching Polyclinic, in Limonar, participated in the study. Data were processed by the SPSS-10 statistical system. Statistical tests as the chi square test and Kruskall Wallis' test were used to explore the significant association between the variables and to compare averages among independent samples. It was found that there exists lack of knowledge about the disease, since only a fourth of the family physicians obtained the minimal indispensable score considered as necessary to diagnose and treat the disease correctly. The importance of the specialization of the physicians in the consolidation and enhancement of the knowledge related to this disease and their decline with the course of time after their graduation were prtoved. Based on the results, target hearings were recommended for an effective educative intervention at the primary health care level in this municipality.

Keywords : Leprosy; knowledge.