Trend in the epidemiological risk of leprosy in the state of Goiás-Brazil between 2010 and 2021

Abstract

Objective To analyze trends in epidemiological risk of leprosy in Goiás state, Brazil, and its health macro-regions, between 2010 and 2021. Method This is a time series analysis of the composite leprosy epidemiological risk index in Goiás. We used cases held on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System for calculating indicators separately and risk, classified as high, medium, low and very low. Trends were analyzed using Prais-Winsten linear regression and risk maps were produced. Results Goiás showed high leprosy endemicity (24.8 cases/100,000 inhabitants) and medium epidemiological risk between 2019 and 2021 (0.58). A stationary trend was found (annual percentage change, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, -3.04; 4.16) for risk of leprosy in Goiás as a whole and in its Central-West and Central-Southeast macro-regions. Conclusion There is need for actions to reduce the epidemiological risk of leprosy, especially where its trend is stationary, this includes early screening for new cases and health education.