Profile of São Paulo state pension beneficiaries affected by leprosy: quantitative data and prevention of disability

Abstract

The work originated from research project of the Technical Division of Leprosy of Secretary of health in the State of São Paulo, titled “Social epidemiological profile of people with Leprosy, pension Beneficiaries of State of São Paulo”. The study aimed to identify, through a health survey, the clinical situation and the quality of life of the beneficiaries of laws that provide for annuity for patients who had leprosy. A total of 631 registered beneficiaries in May 2007 the Coordination of health regions were located and interviewed 485 individuals. The main results show that: men and women are equal numerically; 42% is aged 71 to 80 years; and 27% reside in the area of the Regional Department of Health-DRS1-Capital. As for monthly income, 59% receive one to two minimum wages. The widowers are majority (41.45%), being that they are the 72.14% of females literate. Of the respondents, 21.44% were illiterate and there was no gender difference and 47.22 of the beneficiaries of the pension did not complete primary school. The biggest monthly expense was (77.11%) and power (70.31%) medicines. Occurrence of disabilities found around 88% in the hands and feet, and 63% in the eyes. Disabilities were more frequent in Grade 1 (13.69%) hands, and with most other seat 2 Degree was the feet (78.12%). It is concluded that the pension is essential for meeting the basic needs of beneficiaries and composes the family income.