PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DA HANSENÍASE EM GOIÁS ENTRE OS ANOS DE 2019 E 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a neglected tropical disease with a high incidence in the Americas, Asia and Africa. Brazil is in second place in the world ranking of new cases, highlighting a public health issue. Objective: This research examines the epidemiological panorama of leprosy in Brazil, focusing on the state of Goiás, from 2019 to 2023. Methodology: A cross-sectional, quantitative, and comparative epidemiological study was conducted, using information from DATASUS. Data on hospitalizations due to leprosy were collected, segmented by gender, age, and race. Discussion: The findings indicate a predominance of men among the hospitalizations, with a higher prevalence in the age group of 40 to 54 years. The racial assessment showed an increase in hospitalizations among mixed-race individuals, while there was no significant increase in the number of Black individuals. Conclusion: The obtained data highlight the need for public health strategies focused on the prevention and treatment of leprosy, especially in the most affected populations.