title: [Evaluation and control of missing contacts of leprosy patients].
abstract: Descriptive study, with qualitative variables, carried on in the Ambulatory of Specialties Region of Taubaté, in order to evaluate the missing contacts of leprosy patients. Thirty-six records of new cases were analyzed, from January 2003 to July 2004. Ninety-two contacts were identified, being 64.1% missing ones, having 25% from 20 to 29 years and 58.5% female. Of these, 61% were submitted to consultation of home nursing. Reported non-membership to the control for forgetfulness (66.6%), and lack of time (11.1%), 4 contacts had symptoms of leprosy, and 1 was confirmed (transmissible form - Dimorfa). Without achieving 100% coverage active search, we suggest, to ensure the goal of eliminating of the disease, partnerships and decentralization of the control activities.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade de Taubaté, Taubaté, SP.
authors.forename: Carmen Silvia de Campos Almeida
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.forename: Marina Teixeira
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.forename: Cláudia Tatiana Siqueira Xavier
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Letícia Faroni Guimarães da
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007918:Leprosy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D055815:Young Adult