HANSEN'S DISEASE AND STRUCTURAL RACISM: ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH IN THE CITY OF CASCAVEL, PARANÁ

Abstract

Introduction: Hansen's disease is caused by a bacillus that can lead to cutaneous and peripheral nerve lesions, potentially causing permanent physical disability. Objective: To describe the epidemiology of reported Hansen's disease cases in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, from 2008 to 2022, and discuss structural racism and the main social determinants related to this disease. Results Analysis and Discussion: The sample included 383 cases. There was a predominance of the white ethnicity at 70.76%, followed by mixed race (23.76%) and black (4.96%) ethnicities. It was observed that the dimorphic form was the most prevalent (44.13%), followed by the Virchowian forms (33.94%), tuberculoid (11.49%), and indeterminate (9.14%). Conclusion: This study highlighted the persistence of Hansen's disease as a public health challenge in Cascavel, Paraná, and discussed the significant influence of social determinants, especially structural racism, on the disease's prevalence. It is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes raising awareness about racism, improving access to healthcare services, and emphasizing primary care.