Keywords
Epidemiology
Pandemic
COVID-19
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Abstract
Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of leprosy in the state of Piauí between 2019 and 2023 and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disease notifications. Methods: A descriptive and observational study was conducted using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Reported leprosy cases were analyzed, exploring sociodemographic and clinical variables. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to examine the temporal distribution of cases and differences among different population groups. The number of notifications during pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods was also evaluated. Results: During the study period, the state of Piauí reported a total of 3,685 leprosy cases. There was a decrease from 2019 to 2020, followed by an increase until 2022 and a subsequent reduction in 2023. Cases were predominantly observed in males, individuals of mixed race, aged 40 to 49 years, and with incomplete elementary education. Multibacillary forms were more frequent, characterized by a high number of skin lesions and low disability grades. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted leprosy surveillance and control efforts in Piauí, reflected in the annual variation of notifications. Continuous strategies are necessary to improve early detection and effective treatment, especially among the state's most vulnerable populations.
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