Structural barriers in the prevention and control of leptospirosis in a municipality in Southern Brazil: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Background: This article aimed to describe the structural barriers to the prevention and control of leptospirosis in a municipality in southern Brazil.

Methodology: A qualitative approach, specifically a case study design, was employed in this study conducted within primary care, surveillance, and management settings of a municipality. Thirty-three workers were selected through purposive sampling, and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted from August 2022 to March 2023. Data analysis followed a thematic sequential approach managed using the Etnograph program.

Results: Five categories describing the barriers emerged from the results. The first barrier refers to knowledge of leptospirosis and preventive measures, the second to the lack of training, the third to insufficient infrastructure, the fourth to inadequate human resources, and the fifth to the absence of information production and notification protocols. Through the identification of these barriers, it was possible to highlight local bottlenecks in providing access to healthcare and addressing the demand for leptospirosis cases.

Conclusions: While the results may not be representative of the entire national territory, they can serve as a starting point for further studies on leptospirosis, prompting inquiries into its impact in areas with high disease risk and fostering the development of interventions on a larger scale.