The Hidden Leprosy Epidemic in the State of Ceará

Francisco Iuri da Silva Martins, José Aurelio de Almeida Martins, Luanne Eugênia Nunes

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of leprosy in the state of Ceará, between the years 2001 and 2022. It is a descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, carried out using data available in the Disease Information System of Notification. Sociodemographic variables and variables related to the diagnosis of the disease were evaluated. Furthermore, the absolute and relative frequencies of each variable were calculated, as well as the prevalence, incidence and lethality coefficient. 52,661 cases of leprosy were reported, where it was noticed that the majority of cases occurred in male individuals, mixed race, aged 50-59 years and with low education. The data analyzed indicated that the state of Ceará did not meet the targets for reducing the detection of new leprosy cases. Furthermore, the sociodemographic variables of patients corroborate the persistence of socioeconomic inequalities that impact the quality of life of these patients. Therefore, the relevance of this investigation transcends the geographic limits of the state of Ceará and could contribute to the implementation of public policies in different Brazilian regions that maintain high rates of this disease, aiming to reduce it. Only in this way will Brazil be able to achieve the global goal of eradication as proposed by the World Health Organization.