Leprosy incidence in the state of Piauí, Brazil: spatial distribution and temporal trend, 2013–2023
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, spatial distribution, and temporal trend of leprosy in Piauí, Brazil, between 2013 and 2023. METHODS: This ecological study used secondary data on new leprosy cases from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, available through DATASUS/TABNET. Cases among adults aged 18 years or older living in Piauí were included. For the spatial analysis, cases were grouped by health macro-region and development region of residence, and absolute and relative frequencies were calculated to identify territories with the highest concentration of notifications. Temporal trends were assessed by simple linear regression, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2023, Piauí recorded 12,256 new leprosy cases. The highest concentration occurred in the Meio Norte macro-region and the Entre Rios development region. A significant decreasing trend was observed in Piauí (β=-54.11; 95%CI -85.24 to -22.98; p=0.003) and Brazil (β=-1,361.24; 95%CI -2,151.01 to -571.46; p=0.004), with a marked reduction in notifications in 2020. Low educational attainment, lack of bacilloscopy testing, and dimorphic clinical form predominated. CONCLUSION: Leprosy remains a relevant public health problem in Piauí, with spatial concentration and signs compatible with delayed diagnosis and surveillance weaknesses. Strengthening early detection, active surveillance, and health education is necessary to reduce transmission.
Institution: Universidade Salvador
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224922601