BACKGROUND This study investigated the factors influencing the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in primary healthcare. METHODS 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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS 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.

中文翻译：

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影响麻风病表现、诊断和治疗延迟的个人、社会经济和医疗保健获取因素：一项定性研究。

背景 本研究调查了影响初级卫生保健中麻风病的表现、诊断和治疗的因素。方法 对巴西东北部麻风病控制重点高流行区接受治疗的患者进行定性研究。2020 年 9 月至 12 月期间在初级卫生保健中心进行了访谈。根据安德森和纽曼的医疗保健利用模型，根据基本解释性定性结构对数据进行分析。结果 对麻风症状的了解影响患者寻求诊断。患者所经历的不利的社会经济条件使诊断和治疗变得困难。卫生专业人员的不正确评估导致麻风病诊断的困难和延误。对疾病的看法，例如不接受疾病和药物的副作用，影响了治疗寻求和治疗的连续性。结论 麻风病患者面临与疾病知识、社会经济条件和医疗保健服务结构相关的延误和医疗保健获取障碍，在制定针对麻风病的护理计划、监测和控制行动时必须考虑这些因素。需要采取适当的干预措施来减少延误并更好地控制疾病。