Trend of epidemiological indicators of leprosy in an endemic state of the Amazon region

Tendencia de indicadores epidemiológicos de la lepra em el estado endémico de la región amazónica

ABSTRACT

Objective

To characterize the temporal trend of epidemiological indicators of leprosy in the State of Amapá.

Method

Time series study, carried out in the Notifiable Diseases Information System. The indicators analyzed were: annual detection rate of new cases, detection rate of new cases in the population from 0 to 14 years old, rate of new cases with grade 2 of disability, proportion of new cases with grade 2 and proportion of new multibacillary cases, between 2005 and 2018. The analysis of the temporal evolution was made by linear regression.

Results

The detection rate of new cases and the rate of children under 15 years showed a decreasing trend. The rate of new cases with grade 2 of disability and the proportion of cases with grade 2 showed oscillation. The proportions of multibacillary remained constant.

Conclusion

The epidemiological indicators analyzed suggest active transmission and late diagnosis, signaling a possible hidden endemic disease.

Keywords
Leprosy; Epidemiology; Temporal distribution; Public health