Análise epidemiológica da hanseníase na região Nordeste.

Abstract

Leprosy is an infectious, chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and is categorized according to the appearance, quantity and severity of the lesions as: Undetermined, Tuberculoid, Dimorphous and Virchowian. It is considered a neglected tropical disease, which mainly affects underdeveloped or developing countries, and is considered a global public health problem. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of leprosy in the Northeast region. The data used in the research were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) linked to the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) of the Ministry of Health. Data were collected referring to all northeastern states through sociodemographic and clinical variables such as classification, clinical form, degree of physical disability, smear microscopy, therapeutic regimen. The chi-square test of independence was used, with values with p<0.05 being considered statistically significant. 127,228 cases of leprosy were reported, with a downward trend in the number of cases in recent years. The states of Maranhão and Piauí had the highest prevalence rates in the Northeast. There is a predominance of males, black/brown race, low education and the most affected age group in adults (20 and 59 years old). The most frequent operational classification was multibacillary and the clinical forms Borderline and Virchowiana. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the distribution and characteristics of leprosy in the Northeast region, highlighting the importance of control and prevention strategies targeted at the most affected groups.