Work

Grade 2 disability at leprosy diagnosis in Brazil: foot involvement and regional distribution

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Grade 2 disability at leprosy diagnosis marks late detection and often begins in the feet, yet its recent national distribution in Brazil is incompletely described. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 221,820 new leprosy cases notified to the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) between 2015 and 2023. The proportion of grade 2 disability at diagnosis was estimated among cases with the disability grade evaluated, and its association with demographic and clinical factors was assessed with multivariable logistic regression. Results: Grade 2 disability was recorded in 9.3% of evaluated cases (95% CI 9.17-9.43) and rose from 7.5% in 2015 to 11.1% in 2023. The proportion was highest in the Southeast (13.3%) and South (13.2%) and lowest in the Central-West (8.2%). Disability was associated with two or more affected nerves (OR 5.91; 95% CI 5.67-6.17), multibacillary classification (OR 2.85; 95% CI 2.63-3.08), age 60 years or older (OR 2.54; 95% CI 2.28-2.83), illiteracy (OR 2.44; 95% CI 2.20-2.71) and male sex (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.49-1.60). Conclusions: Grade 2 disability at diagnosis increased and concentrated in lower-endemicity regions, where late detection of plantar involvement persists.

Source: SAP Podiatry

DOI: 10.62486/pod2024139

Authors: Raydel Guerra-Chagime, Juan Miguel Lima Rodriguez, Jhossmar Cristians Auza-Santiváñez, Diego Ernesto Suárez López

Institutions: University of Pinar del Río, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río, Hospital del Gran Chaco Fray Quebracho de III Nivel

Language: English

Topic: Leprosy Research and Treatment

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7224996901