THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE FOLLOW-UP OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY LEPROSY IN HEALTH SERVICES

Objective: To analyze the follow-up of people affected by leprosy in health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out in Basic Health Units and the Leprosy Reference Service in Campina Grande-Paraíba - Brazil. Data collection between October 2021 and February 2022. The study population consisted of users undergoing treatment and being monitored for leprosy reactions. The data was analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. Results: Three categories emerged: users' lack of knowledge about leprosy and its control, their feelings about the disease and treatment, and weakened leprosy control in Primary Health Care. Conclusion: We observed fragility in the follow-up of users affected by leprosy, related to the lack of medication and professionals, as well as the user's perception of the disease.