Epidemiological and spatial characteristics of the hanseniase, State of Maranhão, Brazil, 2001-2012

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil is the second country in prevalence of leprosy in the world, a fact that rectifies the assertion it is important health problem in our country, being specific public policies to combat disease. Objective: To describe and analyze the spatial profile of leprosy cases reported in the state of Maranhão. Methods: a quantitative descriptive epidemiological study approach to time series, using data from the Epidemiological Surveillance System (EVS) for the new leprosy cases in the Maranhão residents between 2001 and 2012. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Tabwin Microssoft 3.2 and Excel 2007 programs were used. Results: of the 54,719 new cases recorded, most were male (56.69 %), aged between 20 and 39 years (35.17%), brown (52.57%), with 4 years of study (43.33%). The most prevalent clinical form and operating class were multibacillary borderline and, respectively, the latter more frequent in males. The highest prevalence was found in St Louis (13.65%) and the highest detection rate was recorded in the municipality of Junco do Maranhão (23.27casos/10.000hab.). Conclusion: the study showed significant changes in the profile of the disease in the state over the years, reducing the absolute number of cases in some regions and endemic or hyperendemic standards in almost every state. The knowledge of spatial characteristics of the epidemiology of the disease enables the analysis of peculiarities and possible points of intervention, enhancing structural reforms with the potential to interfere with the epidemiological situation in the region.