LEPROSY PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 PHYSICAL DISABILITY; THE LEADING ROLE OF THE NURSING PROFESSIONAL IN PREVENTION

Abstract

This article analyzed the degree of physical disability (DPI) associated with leprosy, with an emphasis on DPI 2, and the role of nursing in preventing these disabilities. A qualitative and descriptive literature review was conducted in the SciELO and Virtual Health Library databases (LILACS, REBEN, RESS, and Ciência & Saúde Coletiva), considering publications from 2016 to 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with full text available. After two-stage screening (titles/abstracts and full-text reading), 15 studies comprised the final sample. The findings indicate a predominance of DPI 2 in male adults and the elderly, with low education and precarious employment, demonstrating social vulnerability and late diagnosis. The multibacillary (MB) classification, leprosy reactions, and neuritis showed a strong association with the development of visible deformities and functional limitations in the hands, feet, and eyes. Even after discharge, some patients maintain or worsen their disability, reinforcing the need for post-treatment monitoring. The strategic role of nurses in Primary Health Care stands out: early detection through simplified dermatoneurological evaluation, health education, self-care guidance, monitoring for signs of neuritis, and timely referral to specialized services. These actions, combined with surveillance and rehabilitation policies, reduce the risk of progression to GIF 2 and mitigate psychosocial impacts such as stigma, exclusion, and loss of autonomy. It is concluded that addressing GIF 2 requires integration between timely diagnosis, qualified nursing care, and public policies that consider the social determinants of health.