Prevalência da hanseníase no estado da Paraíba

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and is considered a public health problem in Brazil, which is one of the countries with the highest number of leprosy patients in the world. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of leprosy in the state of Paraíba and its distribution in the main municipalities, with emphasis on the most populous and those with the highest prevalence rate, sex, age and form of involvement between the years 2016 and 2019. The methodology uses a retrospective and observational analysis, based on information obtained from the database of the Sistema de Informação de Agravos e Notificação da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde da Paraíba, with an evaluation of the epidemiological profile of leprosy in the aforementioned state. The results revealed that between the years 2016 and 2018, Paraiba showed a low prevalence value, but in 2019 there was an increase to a value considered average and, added to this, it is verified that some municipalities in the state have much high values. Still, there is a predominance in the number of infections in male patients, in the age group that comprehends the ages between 20 and 49 years and of multibacillary forms, which shares the field with a significant number of cases without proper classification. It is concluded, therefore, that leprosy remains a public health problem in many municipalities of the state and, for such reason, it is necessary to invest in increased prevention measures that are able to provide a reduction in the spread of this disease and encourage improvement in the quality of life of patients.