LEPROSY IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE, CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by a significant increase in cases in Brazil. In this sense, the present study aimed to identify whether the southern region of the country follows the national increase in cases and to characterize the epidemiological profile of patients affected by leprosy in southern Brazil, from 2013 to 2023. Thus, through an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, quantitative and retrospective study, data from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) were analyzed, evaluating the number of leprosy cases, associated with the variables hospitalizations, sex, age group, race, average stay, cost of hospitalization, deaths and mortality rate. The results of the study indicate that in the southern region, Paraná was the state with the highest rate of hospitalizations, as well as with the largest amount of resources allocated during the period analyzed. Contrary to the national average, it was found that the white race was the most affected and the highest incidence occurred in the age group between 50 and 59 years, while the predominance of the disease in males followed the national pattern. Regarding deaths, a balanced distribution between the sexes was identified. It was concluded that between 2013 and 2023, the South region concentrated 22% of national hospitalizations and occupied the second national position in relation to the average length of hospital stay. The states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul showed lower endemicity. However, epidemiological surveillance must be maintained and in the states of the South region the approach must be reformulated to improve early detection, monitoring, adequate treatment and control of the disease.