Treatment abandonment rate for Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Legal Amazon between 2019 and 2024

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the scenario of treatment abandonment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and its associated socioeconomic factors in the states of the Legal Amazon. Methods: This is an ecological, descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study with a quantitative approach. Data from DATASUS/SINAN were used, filtering reported cases of VLD treatment abandonment between 2019 and 2024 in the nine states of the region, with analysis by age group, race, and education level. Results: During the stipulated period, 4,045 cases of VL were recorded in the region, with the highest incidence in Maranhão (1,925) and Pará (1,168). Thirty-nine cases of discontinuation were identified, with Maranhão being the epicenter (17 cases). The profile most prone to discontinuation was male (76%), brown race (69%), and individuals with education between incomplete 5th grade of elementary school and complete high school (34%). Conclusion: Although the proportion of dropouts is low, the study identified a specific risk profile (male, brown, and with intermediate education). These findings indicate the urgent need for attention to these vulnerable groups and the implementation of actions to mitigate barriers to access and the negative impacts of treatment.