EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF LEPROSY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RIO BRANCO / ACRE / BRAZIL (2006-2016). SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF LEPROSY IN RIO BRANCO / ACRE / BRAZIL

Abstract

In this work, the epidemiological and spatial analysis of leprosy was performed along the borders of the Amazon in the municipality of Rio Branco, in the state of Acre, based on secondary data obtained from national public databases. The number of registered contacts, examined contacts and new confirmed cases of the disease identified between 2006-2016, based on information from the National Surveillance System (SINAN), were used. The calculated detection rate and prevalence rate were classified according to recommendations by the Ministry of Health. To spatial evaluation, due to the low number of cases per district/year, triennial aggregation (2006-2008, 2010-2012 and 2014-2016) was used to evaluate the number of new cases of the disease and the mean detection rate. The cumulative prevalence rate was assessed in the period from 2006 to 2016. Spatial exploration of the distribution of new cases of leprosy by district using the Local Empirical Bayesian Model was applied, which smoothed the effects of random fluctuation of disease rates resulting from the calculation of small areas. The data showed high detection rates (1.62/10,000 inhabitants) in the year 2016, while the prevalence rate accumulated throughout the 2006-2016 period (29.76/10,000 inhabitants) was considered hyperendemic. Spatial analysis revealed that there was a reduction in the number of new cases from 2014 to 2016, the same for the mean detection rate in the period. Spatial analysis identified many hyperendemic leprosy areas in the municipality requiring specific public policies geared towards an active search for new cases of the disease.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.030-015