Epidemiological Profile of Leprosy between 2012-2022 in the Southeast Region of Brazil

Abstract

Objective: to describe the epidemiological situation of Hansen's disease in the Southeast region of Brazil from 2012 to 2022, as well as to propose strategies to improve its epidemiological progression. Methods: a cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted using secondary data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) of DATASUS, covering the period from 2012 to 2022. Mycobacterium leprae infections in the Southeast region were analyzed, considering variables such as the number of lesions, gender, education level, and age group. Results: between 2012 and 2022, the Southeast region recorded 53,562 new cases of Hansen's disease, with a reduction of 36.65% in total cases. The incidence decreased over this period, with 2012 showing the peak and 2020 the lowest incidence. Espírito Santo leads in incidence by state (171.27/105 inhabitants), followed by Rio de Janeiro (82.26/105 inhabitants), Minas Gerais (74.31/105 inhabitants), and São Paulo (41.71/105 inhabitants). A total of 377,481 lesions were registered, with 78.5% in multibacillary and 21.5% in paucibacillary patients. Males represent 57.12% of cases, and there is a prevalence in patients with lower levels of education (70% up to completed elementary school). The most affected age group is 40 to 59 years old (38%), followed by 60 to 69 years old (14%). Children and adolescents have the lowest incidence, with a decline in records after the age of 60. Conclusion: there was a reduction in the trend of new Hansen's disease cases in the southeast region of Brazil from 2012 to 2022, possibly due to the effectiveness of the Hansen Control Program and underreporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the need to strengthen this program in primary care and improve epidemiological surveillance during epidemics and pandemics. Despite the predominance of the disease in men with low education levels, there was no significant increase in cases among youth as observed in other studies, requiring further research to understand the incidence in this age group. Finally, it is essential to establish public policies for the vulnerable population, which contributes to the prevalence of the more severe form of the disease, ensuring well-being and prioritizing the principles of the Unified Health System.