EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF LEPROSY PATIENTS IN BRAZIL, BETWEEN 2015 AND 2019

Abstract

Leprosy is one of the main preventable causes of functional disability in the world, with 16 to 65% of carriers suffering from irreversible damage. In addition to deformities, patients generally have a lower quality of life and 80% of the cases recorded worldwide are concentrated in India, Brazil and Indonesia. The present study aims to analyze the incidence of leprosy in Brazil, between 2015 and 2019, tracing the epidemiological profile of patients with the disease. An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out, using secondary data from the Notification and Diseases Information System (SINAN) and the Ministry of Health's Integrated Health Surveillance Platform (IVIS / MS). From 2015 to 2019, 177,038 new cases of leprosy were reported in brazilian territory, mainly concentrated in the Northeast region, in males, browns, with incomplete elementary education, in the form of multibacillary and boderline; 7.4% were in grade 2 functional disability at diagnosis. The annual detection rate of the disease has increased since 2016, despite global strategies to reduce leprosy. The large number of patients with the multibacillary form is worrying, because it is more serious and more transmissible. The increase in individuals with incapacity for diagnosis is a sign of late diagnosis and delay in seeking health services, increasing the probability of developing permanent disabilities. Given this, it is necessary for the country to carry out health promotion policies for the most vulnerable populations, in order to reduce the perpetuation of the disease.