Activity limitation and social participation restriction of people with leprosy: a cross-sectional analysis of magnitude and associated factors in a hyperendemic municipality in the state of Piauí, Brazil, 2001-2014

Abstract

Objective to analyse the magnitude and factors associated with activity limitation and social participation restriction of people with leprosy from 2001 to 2014 in Picos, Piauí, Brazil. Methods this was a cross-sectional study with data collected through interviews and physical examinations; the SALSA Scale (Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness) and Social Participation Scale were used; crude prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated. Results 263 people with leprosy participated in the study; activity limitation was associated with grade I/II disability (PR=1.66; 95%CI 1.14;2.41), age ≥60 years (PR=1.68; 95%CI 1.09;3.02) and low schooling (PR=1.76; 95%CI 1.26;2.45); correlation was found between eye-hand-foot score and activity limitation (r=0.29; p<0.001) and participation restriction (r=0.27; p<0.001). Conclusion activity limitation and participation restriction had high prevalence in the context studied and were associated with disease severity, advanced age and social vulnerability.