Abstract

CLARO, Lenita B. L.; MONNERAT, Giselle L.  and  PESSOA, Viviani Lourdes R.. Reduction in dropout rate of patients in a leprosy control program: the experience of a health service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 1993, vol.9, n.4, pp. 504-507. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X1993000400011.

During the year 1992, an important decrease in the dropout rate of patients in a leprosy control program was observed in a public health center in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). This paper discusses the factors associated with this reduction, especially the strategies employed by the health service. These strategies include the prevention of non-compliance by special interviewing of patients and the recuperation of defaulter patients by means of home visits and mail.

Keywords : Leprosy; Compliance; Health Service.