Comparative study of leprosy in the Nordeste states between 2017 and 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a contagious chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, with the respiratory tract being the main route for the bacteria to enter the body. It has a predilection for peripheral nerves and the skin, which causes neurological and dermatological damage, which characterizes the clinical course of the disease. Brazil is the second country with the highest number of cases, where the disease presents itself heterogeneously, representing a public health problem. Objective: To identify reported cases of leprosy in Northeast Brazil from 2017 to 2023 and correlate them with the reality of active public health programs. Method: Ecological epidemiological time series study based on data collections from 2017 to 2023 in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN/DATASUS). The 9 states in the Northeast region of Brazil were studied in relation to the disease and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: More than 81 thousand cases of Leprosy were identified in the Brazilian Northeast, with emphasis on the state of Maranhão - which presented more than 22 thousand notifications. Furthermore, it is possible to observe a drop in the years 2020 and peaks in the years 2021 and 2022; and a drop in dropout rates over the years. With the analysis, it is possible to observe that the most affected profile is that of brown males, between 20 and 69 years old, with reduced education. Conclusion: Finally, the connection between the disease and socioeconomic factors highlights the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both clinical and social aspects. The implementation of educational strategies is essential to reduce disparities in the incidence of the disease.