Leprosy cases in Pernambuco between 2013 and 2022: An epidemiological study

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This condition persists as a relevant public health problem, occupying the second place in the world ranking of morbidity, being one of the most important neglected diseases for study. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of leprosy cases reported in the state of Pernambuco from 2013 to 2022. Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in Pernambuco, Brazil, using data from the SINAN and IBGE databases. The annual detection rate, absolute (n) and relative (%) frequencies of the variables sex, race/color, age group, education, clinical form of notification, assessment of inability to cure and sputum smear microscopy were calculated, with a statistical significance level of 5% (p<0.05). The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019® and the R 4.0.2 software. Results: A total of 28,109 cases were reported, with a detection rate of 28.65 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Most cases occurred in males (51.71%); brown race/color (58.22%); age group 40-59 years (37.59%); and incomplete elementary school (34.99%). The predominant clinical form was dimorphic (38.84%). In the assessment of inability to cure, the category "unknown/blank" was the most prevalent (45.27%), followed by Grade Zero (37.16%); Sputum smear microscopy was not performed in 34.91%. Conclusion: The results of this study are important, because although there is a trend of decrease in leprosy cases in the period, some years there were peaks of increase. This highlights the need to strengthen health surveillance actions and implement effective public policies to combat this disease.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.025-031