ACCESS TO LEPROSY TREATMENT IN WEST PARANÁ FROM 2020 TO 2023

Abstract

Leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. The disease mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves, resulting in patches of skin and loss of sensation in the extremities of the body. Brazil has more than 90% of the number of new notifications in the American continent. Due to the high number of annual records, the disease is still considered a public health problem. Compulsory notification and investigation of suspected cases is a mandatory measure. It is believed that leprosy transmission occurs through intimate and prolonged contact between a susceptible individual and a bacillus patient, through inhalation of bacilli. The best way to stop transmission is early diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this work, through the analysis of data from the datasus platform, is to determine the profile of patients diagnosed with leprosy, seeking information on the rate of cure and abandonment of treatment, the rate of detection of the disease and its relationship with the availability of health services and their adherence rate.