A cost-effectiveness analysis of a novel algorithm to sequentially diagnose leprosy based on manufactured tests under the SUS perspective.

Brazil has the second largest number of leprosy cases (a disease with a significant burden) in the world. Despite global and local efforts to eliminate this public health problem, inadequate or late diagnosis contribute to perpetuate its transmission, especially among household contacts. Tests such as the rapid IgM antibody detection (RT) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were developed to overcome the challenges of early diagnosis of leprosy. This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of a new diagnostic algorithm recommended by the Brazilian government to diagnose leprosy in household contacts of confirmed leprosy cases, which includes the RT and RT-PCR tests. A decision tree model was constructed and the perspective of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) and a 1-year time horizon were adopted. Only direct medical costs related to diagnostic tests were included. Effectiveness was measured as the number of avoided undiagnosed leprosy cases. Different scenarios were analyzed. The sequential use of RT, slit-skin smear (SSS) microscopy, and RT-PCR as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health was compared to a base case (isolated SSS microscopy), yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of USD 616.46 per avoided undiagnosed leprosy case. Univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the prevalence of leprosy among household contacts was the variable that influenced the model the most. This is the first economic model to analyze a diagnostic algorithm of leprosy. Results may aid managers to define policies and strategies to eradicate leprosy in Brazil.

Leprosy and tuberculosis control scenario of the national program for the improvement of access and quality of primary care in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, despite advances in public health policies aimed at eliminating and controlling infectious and parasitic diseases, the incidence of neglected diseases is still high. The epidemiological scenario in Brazil of diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy evidences a public policy agenda that has not been resolute in terms of control, nor in terms of elimination. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the actions of diagnosis and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in the context of primary health care. METHODS: In this ecological study, data from the third cycle of the Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Primary Care were extracted from electronic address of the Primary Health Care Secretariat of Brazil in the area of Actions, Programs and Strategies. A total of 37,350 primary health care teams were that answered the questionnaire were eligible, with variables extracted from leprosy and tuberculosis control actions. The municipalities were grouped according to the characteristic of the Brazilian municipality. The partition chi-square and the Residuals Test were used to assess whether there was a difference in the proportion of tuberculosis and leprosy actions between types of municipalities. Statistics were carried out using Minitab 20 and Bioestat 5.3. RESULTS: Regarding the leprosy treatment location, there is a higher proportion of people referred to be treated at the reference in adjacent rural (p = 0.0097) and urban (p < 0.0001) municipalities; monitoring of people with leprosy referred to the service network (p. = 0.0057) in remote rural areas. Lower proportion of teams requesting bacilloscopy in remote rural areas (p = 0.0019). Rural areas have a higher proportion of teams that diagnose new cases (p = 0.0004). Regarding the actions of diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. There is a higher proportion of teams that carry out consultations at the unit itself in rural areas when compared to adjacent intermediaries (p = 0.0099) and urban (p < 0.0001); who requested sputum smear microscopy in adjacent intermediaries (p = 0.0021); X-ray in adjacent intermediaries (p < 0.0001) and urban (p < 0.0001); collection of the first sputum sample in urban (p < 0.0001) and adjacent rural areas (p < 0.0001); directly observed treatment (p < 0.0001) in adjacent rural municipalities. CONCLUSION: There are inequalities in the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis among the types of municipalities.

Assessment of neuropathic pain, functional activity limitation and quality of life of people affected by leprosy in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) among people affected by leprosy and its effects on functional limitation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 122 leprosy patients. Functional limitation and HRQoL were assessed using the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) and WHO Quality-of-Life (WHOQoL-BREF) scales, respectively. Participants were assessed for the presence of pain and completed the Douleur Neuropathique 4 and the Brief Pain Inventory scales. RESULTS: The prevalence of NP was 59%. Participants with NP had higher SALSA scores than those without pain (median; IQR: 42; 32-49.5 vs 27.5; 24-34; p=0.002). Increasing SALSA scores were related to decreasing WHOQoL-BREF scores in the physical (r=-0.54; p<0.001), psychological (r=-0.33; p=0.002) and environmental (r=-0.22; p=0.01) domains, but not in the social domain (r=-0.14; p=0.10). Individuals with NP had the lowest scores in all domains compared with individuals without pain. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate tools and training of clinicians for diagnosing NP in leprosy patients are necessary for their appropriate management and better HRQoL outcomes.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes diagnosticados com hanseníase / Clinical-epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with leprosy / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de los pacientes diagnosticados de lepra

hanseníase no Brasil ainda apresenta como um problema de saúde pública. A posição epidemiológica da doença no país é considerada diversificada devido ao alto coeficiente e variação de prevalência nas diversas regiões do país. O objetivo desse estudo é conhecer o perfil epidemiológico da população acometida pela hanseníase na cidade de General Carneiro, no interior do Mato Grosso, durante os anos de 2006 e 2021. A coleta de dados foi realizada nos meses de julho e agosto do ano de 2021. Trata-se de uma pesquisa retrospectiva, documental do tipo descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa. No período em estudo notificou-se 50 casos, sendo 62% do sexo masculino, com faixa etária entre 48 a 69 anos de idade, de cor branca, com predominância da forma dimorfa. Os resultados demonstram que a cidade de General Carneiro, está com o número de casos de hanseníase na média do preconizado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde e também, inferior à média brasileira.

Leprosy in Brazil still presents as a public health problem. The epidemiological position of the disease in the country is considered diversified due to the high coefficient and variation in prevalence in different regions of the country. The aim of this study is to know the epidemiological profile of the population affected by leprosy in the city of General Carneiro, in the interior of Mato Grosso, during the years 2006 and 2021. Data collection was carried out in July and August of 2021 This is a retrospective, descriptive documentary research with a quantitative approach. During the study period, 50 cases were reported, 62% male, aged between 48 and 69 years old, white, with a predominance of the borderline form. The results show that the city of General Carneiro has the number of cases of leprosy in the average recommended by the World Health Organization and also below the Brazilian average.

La lepra en Brasil sigue siendo un problema de salud pública. La posición epidemiológica de la enfermedad en el país se considera diversificada debido al alto coeficiente y a la variación de la prevalencia en diferentes regiones del país. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer el perfil epidemiológico de la población afectada por la lepra en la ciudad de General Carneiro, en el interior de Mato Grosso, durante los años 2006 y 2021. La recogida de datos se realizó en julio y agosto del año 2021. Se trata de una investigación retrospectiva, documental y descriptiva, con un enfoque cuantitativo. En el período de estudio se notificaron 50 casos, siendo el 62% de sexo masculino, con una edad entre 48 y 69 años, de color blanco, con predominio de la forma dimorfa. Los resultados muestran que la ciudad de General Carneiro, está con el número de casos de lepra en la media recomendada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y también por debajo de la media brasileña.

Clinical and radiological assessment of rhinomaxillary syndrome in Hansen's disease.

Background More than four million people today live with Hansen's disease, and 200,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Lifetime effects of Hansen's disease manifest as changes to bones of the face, hands and feet, resulting in physical impairment, secondary complications and facial changes that can be detrimental to quality of life, particularly among the elderly. Aims This study aimed to perform a detailed characterization of rhinomaxillary syndrome and its clinical manifestations in older persons treated in the past for Hansen's disease. Methods This was a cross-sectional study to characterize rhinomaxillary syndrome among older persons (age 60+ years) resident at Pedro Fontes Hospital, Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Computed tomography images were examined with three-dimensional reconstructions to assess alterations to maxillofacial bones according to criteria for radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome. Participants were examined to assess facial alterations according to criteria for clinical rhinomaxillary syndrome. Results Rhinomaxillary syndrome was investigated in 16 participants (ten females and six males), median age 70 (range 60-89) years, age at diagnosis 20 (6-43) years and time since diagnosis 46 (26-70) years. Four participants fully met radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome criteria, four partially. All participants with full radiological rhinomaxillary syndrome presented with facial changes which met criteria for clinical rhinomaxillary syndrome, including "saddle nose" (loss of nasal dorsal height and shortened length of nose, due to cartilaginous and/or bone collapse), concave middle third of the face with sunken nose, maxillary retrognathia and inverted upper lip. Limitations Clinical histories were incomplete for some participants because records were lost at the hospital over time. Conclusion Until Hansen's disease is eliminated from endemic countries, persons affected will continue to present with rhinomaxillofacial alterations caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection. Clinical protocols for assessment and long-term care need to include otorhinolaryngological evaluation, mainly to prevent secondary complications. When rhinomaxillofacial bone changes are suspected, this evaluation should be supported by computed tomography imaging, if available.

An assessment of the reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on leprosy services using an online survey of practitioners in leprosy referral centres.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to governments implementing a variety of public health measures to control transmission and has affected health services. Leprosy is a communicable neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and is an important health problem in low- and middle-income countries. The natural history of leprosy means that affected individuals need long-term follow-up. The measures recommended to reduce transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can create barriers to health services. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic response on leprosy services and disease management. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with healthcare professionals in leprosy referral centres. RESULTS: Eighty percent of leprosy diagnostic services were reduced. All respondents reported that multidrug therapy (MDT) was available but two reported a reduced stock. Clinicians used alternative strategies such as telephone consultations to maintain contact with patients. However, patients were not able to travel to the referral centres. DISCUSSION: This study highlights the effects of the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on leprosy services in a range of leprosy-endemic countries. Many services remained open, providing leprosy diagnosis, MDT and leprosy reaction medications. Centres developed innovative measures to counter the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rapid Multiplex Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (m-LAMP) Assay for Differential Diagnosis of Leprosy and Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis.

Leprosy and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) are co-endemic neglected tropical diseases often misdiagnosed because of close resemblance in their clinical manifestations. The test that aids in differential diagnosis of leprosy and PKDL would be useful in endemic areas. Here, we report development of a multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (m-LAMP) assay for differential detection of Mycobacterium leprae and Leishmania donovani using a real-time fluorometer. The m-LAMP assay was rapid with a mean amplification time of 15 minutes, and analytical sensitivity of 1 fg for L. donovani and 100 fg for M. leprae. The distinct mean Tm values for M. leprae and L. donovani allowed differentiation of the two organisms in the m-LAMP assay. Diagnostic sensitivity of the assay was evaluated by using confirmed cases of leprosy (n = 40) and PKDL (n = 40) (tissue and slit aspirate samples). All the leprosy and PKDL samples used in this study were positive by organism-specific QPCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays. The diagnostic sensitivity of the m-LAMP assay was 100% (95% CI: 91.2-100.0%) for detecting PKDL and 95% for leprosy (95% CI: 83.1-99.4%). Our m-LAMP assay was successfully used to detect both M. leprae and L. donovani in a patient coinfected with leprosy and macular PKDL. The m-LAMP assay is rapid, accurate, and applicable for differential diagnosis of leprosy versus PKDL, especially in endemic areas.

High-resolution ultrasound in the assessment of peripheral nerves in leprosy: A comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Detection of peripheral nerve thickening and nerve function impairment is crucial in the diagnosis and the management of leprosy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To document the cross-sectional area, echotexture and blood flow of peripheral nerves in healthy controls and leprosy cases using high-resolution ultrasound, (2) to compare the sensitivities of clinical examination and high-resolution ultrasound in detecting peripheral nerve thickening in leprosy. METHODS: Peripheral nerves of 30 leprosy patients and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated clinically and by high-resolution ultrasound. When the cross-sectional area of a peripheral nerve on high-resolution ultrasound in a leprosy patient was more than the calculated upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for mean for that specific nerve in controls, that particular peripheral nerve was considered to be enlarged. RESULTS: Cross-sectional areas more than 7.1 mm2 for the radial nerve, 8.17 mm2 for ulnar, 10.17 mm2 for median, 9.50 mm2 for lateral popliteal and 11.21mm2 for the posterior tibial nerve were considered as nerve thickening on high-resolution ultrasound. High-resolution ultrasound detected 141/300 (47%) nerves enlarged in contrast to the 60 (20%) diagnosed clinically by palpation (P < 0.001). Clinical examination identified thickening in 31/70 (44.3%) nerves in cases with impairment of nerve function and 29/230 (12.6%) in the absence of nerve function impairment. High-resolution ultrasound detected thickening in 50/70 (71.4%) nerves with impairment of function and in 91/230 (39.6%) nerves without any impairment of function. LIMITATION: A single-centre study design was the major study limitation. CONCLUSION: High-resolution ultrasound showed greater sensitivity than clinical examination in detecting peripheral nerve thickening in leprosy cases. High-resolution ultrasound, may therefore improve the sensitivity of the diagnostic criterion of peripheral nerve enlargement in the diagnosis and classification of leprosy.

Multiple dimensions of healthcare management of leprosy and challenges to its elimination. / Múltiplas dimensões da gestão do cuidado à hanseníase e os desafios para a eliminação.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze assistance provided to people affected by leprosy through multiple dimensions of Care Management. METHOD: Exploratory single case study with a mixed methods approach conducted at a referral service in a Southern Brazil municipality. Content analysis and webQDA software were used for data treatment. RESULTS: Participants included health professionals, people with leprosy and their family members. leprosy incidence was found to indicate its dissemination in the study setting, despite its low endemicity. Predominance of multibacillary cases and diagnoses with grade 2 disability indicate shortcomings in early detection efficacy. Contradictions were found in multiple dimensions of Care Management, leading to the understanding that the challenges in fighting leprosy are not only biological, but also socially determined. CONCLUSION: The presented challenges demonstrate the health care network's frailty regarding lowering this disease's rate and the need for effective public policies to confront diseases that, similarly to leprosy, are determined by social inequality.

The hidden prevalence of leprosy: a comparative study between two Brazilian cities.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the hidden prevalence of leprosy in two Brazilian cities with distinct differences regarding geographic region and socio-economic development profile, namely, Juazeiro, Bahia and Joinville, Santa Catarina. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological study based on secondary data obtained from leprosy case notifications in the cities of Juazeiro-BA and Joinville-SC, 2007-2017. To calculate hidden prevalence, we used the method proposed by Gil Suárez and Lombardi. RESULTS: Joinville had 105 cases of leprosy that went undiagnosed (addition of 42.0% to the registered prevalence). For Juazeiro, it was estimated that 295 cases went undiagnosed (addition of 18.9%). CONCLUSION: Joinville presents a higher hidden prevalence than Juazeiro.

The hidden prevalence of leprosy: a comparative study between two Brazilian cities

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We compared the hidden prevalence of leprosy in two Brazilian cities with distinct differences regarding geographic region and socio-economic development profile, namely, Juazeiro, Bahia and Joinville, Santa Catarina. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological study based on secondary data obtained from leprosy case notifications in the cities of Juazeiro-BA and Joinville-SC, 2007-2017. To calculate hidden prevalence, we used the method proposed by Gil Suárez and Lombardi. RESULTS: Joinville had 105 cases of leprosy that went undiagnosed (addition of 42.0% to the registered prevalence). For Juazeiro, it was estimated that 295 cases went undiagnosed (addition of 18.9%). CONCLUSION: Joinville presents a higher hidden prevalence than Juazeiro.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Comparar a prevalência oculta de hanseníase entre duas cidades brasileiras com diferenças distintas quanto à região geográfica e perfil de desenvolvimento socioeconômico, como Juazeiro, Bahia e Joinville, Santa Catarina. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo baseado em dados secundários obtidos nas notificações de casos de hanseníase nos municípios de Juazeiro-BA e Joinville-SC, 2007-2017. Para o cálculo da prevalência oculta foi utilizado o método proposto por Gil Suárez e Lombardi. Resultados: Joinville teve 105 casos de hanseníase que não foram diagnosticados no período (adição de 42,0% à prevalência registrada). Para Juazeiro, estimou-se que 295 casos não foram diagnosticados (adição de 18,9%). CONCLUSÃO: Joinville apresentou maior prevalência oculta que Juazeiro.

Leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis in the Indian health system: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

India has the highest burden of leprosy in the world. Following a recent WHO guideline, the Indian National Leprosy Programme is introducing post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (SDR-PEP) in all high-endemic districts of the country. The aim of this study is to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of SDR-PEP in different leprosy disability burden situations. We used a stochastic individual-based model (SIMCOLEP) to simulate the leprosy new case detection rate trend and the impact of implementing contact screening and SDR-PEP from 2016 to 2040 (25 years) in the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar Haveli (DNH) in India. Effects of the intervention were expressed as disability adjusted life years (DALY) averted under three assumption of disability prevention: 1) all grade 1 disability (G1D) cases prevented; 2) G1D cases prevented in PB cases only; 3) no disability prevented. Costs were US$ 2.9 per contact. Costs and effects were discounted at 3%. The incremental cost per DALY averted by SDR-PEP was US$ 210, US$ 447, and US$ 5,673 in the 25th year under assumption 1, 2, and 3, respectively. If prevention of G1D was assumed, the probability of cost-effectiveness was 1.0 at the threshold of US$ 2,000, which is equivalent to the GDP per capita of India. The probability of cost-effectiveness was 0.6, if no disability prevention was assumed. The cost per new leprosy case averted was US$ 2,873. Contact listing, screening and the provision of SDR-PEP is a cost-effective strategy in leprosy control in both the short (5 years) and long term (25 years). The cost-effectiveness depends on the extent to which disability can be prevented. As the intervention becomes increasingly cost-effective in the long term, we recommend a long-term commitment for its implementation.

Diagnóstico da rede de atendimento laboratorial de hanseníase no Departamento Regional de Saúde XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo / Diagnóstico de la red de atención de laboratorio de lepra en el Departamento Regional de Salud XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil / Diagnosis of the leprosy laboratory care network in Regional Health Department XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Objetivo: Apresentar o diagnóstico situacional da rede laboratorial para hanseníase na região de São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. Métodos: Pesquisa de avaliação com desenho descritivo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário online preenchido pelos responsáveis pelo programa de hanseníase, em 2018. Resultados: Todos os 102 municípios que compõem a região enviaram os dados solicitados, 84 (82,4%) solicitavam a baciloscopia; e destes, 68 receberam capacitação. Do total, 11,7% enviavam baciloscopia para outros laboratórios sem respeitar a rede de referência. Apenas 59 (57,8%) solicitavam a biópsia, e destes, 47 tinham médico responsável pela coleta e 31 não respeitavam a rede de referência para encaminhamento das biópsias. Foram descritos, como aspectos que dificultavam o diagnóstico dos casos de hanseníase na região, a falta de sala adequada, poucos profissionais capacitados, ausência de material para transporte e de requisição de exames impressa. Conclusão: A rede laboratorial se encontra fragilizada, necessitando reestruturação.

Objetivo: Presentar el diagnóstico de la situación de la red de laboratorios para lepra en la región de São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio de evaluación con diseño descriptivo. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de un formulario en línea por cada persona responsable del programa de lepra en 2018. Resultados: Los 102 municipios que conforman la región enviaron los datos solicitados, el 82,4% (84/102) solicitaba la baciloscopia y de estos 68 recibieron capacitación. Del total, el 11.7% enviaba la baciloscopia a otros laboratorios sin respetar la red de referencia. Solo el 57,8% (59/102) solicitó una biopsia, y de estos, 47 tenía un médico responsable de la recolección y 31 no respetaron la red de referencia para enviar las biopsias. Los aspectos que dificultan el diagnóstico de casos de lepra en la región SJRP se describieron como la falta de una sala adecuada, profesionales capacitados, ausencia de material para el transporte y de solicitudes de exámenes impresos. Conclusión: La red de laboratorios está fragilizada y debe ser respetada en su composición inicial o reexaminada y reorganizada.

Objective: To present the situational diagnosis of the leprosy laboratory reference network in the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. Methods: This was an evaluation study with a descriptive design. The data were collected by means of an online form filled in by those in charge of the leprosy program in 2018. Results: All 102 municipalities that make up the region provided the requested data, 82.4% (84/102) requested slit-skin smear microscopy and of these 68 received training. Of the total, 11.7% sent slit-skin smears to other laboratories outside the reference network. Only 57.8% (59/102) requested a biopsy, of these 47 had a doctor responsible for taking the biopsy sample and 31 did not send biopsy samples for analysis in the reference network. Lack of an adequate room, few trained professionals, absence of material for transportation and absence of printed test requisitions were described as aspects that hinder leprosy case diagnosis in the region. Conclusion: The laboratory network is fragile and needs to be restructured.

Relação da hanseníase com a cobertura da estratégia saúde da família e condições socioeconómicas / Relación de la lepra con la cobertura de la estrategia de salud familiar y condiciones socioeconómicas / Relationship of leprosy with coverage of family health strategy and socioeconomic conditions

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a epidemiologia da hanseníase e sua relação com a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família e as condições socioeconômicas na Paraíba, Brasil, no período de 2001 a 2016. Material e Método: Estudo ecológico de abordagem quantitativa. Os dados secundários foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Verificou-se a relação dos indicadores epidemiológicos da hanseníase com a cobertura da Estratégia de Saúde da Família e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal por meio da regressão de Poisson com inflação de zeros. Resultados: Foram analisados 12.134 casos novos de hanseníase. O aumento da cobertura da Estratégia de Saúde da Família contribuiu significativamente para incremento na taxa de detecção na população geral. A melhora do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal contribuiu para aumento de casos da doença na população geral e redução em menores de 15 anos. Conclusão: Houve melhoria dos indicadores epidemiológicos da doença mediante implantação de serviços de saúde e avanços nos indicadores sociais; no entanto, ainda persistem situações de pobreza e desigualdade que contribuem para a continuidade da hanseníase. Reforça-se a importância de investimentos nas ações de saúde e políticas inclusivas, com vistas a minimizar as iniquidades existentes e controlar a endemia.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the epidemiology of leprosy and its relationship with the coverage of the Family Health Strategy and the socioeconomic conditions in Paraíba, Brazil, from 2001 to 2016. Material and Method: Ecological study with a quantitative approach. We extracted secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN, as per its Portuguese acronym). We checked the relationship of leprosy epidemiological indicators with the coverage of the Family Health Strategy and the Municipal Human Development Index by Zero-inflated Poisson regression model. Results: We analyzed a total of 12,134 new leprosy cases. The increased coverage of the Family Health Strategy contributed significantly to the increment in the detection rate in the general population. The improvement of the Municipal Human Development Index contributed to the increased number of cases of the disease in the general population and decrease in people under the age of 15. Conclusion: There was an improvement in the epidemiological indicators of the disease through the implementation of health services and advances in social indicators; however, there are still situations of poverty and inequality that contribute to the continuity of leprosy. We should emphasize the importance of investments in health actions and inclusive policies, with a view to minimizing the existing inequities and controlling this endemic.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la epidemiología de la lepra y su relación con la cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar y las condiciones socioeconómicas en Paraíba, Brasil, entre 2001 y 2016. Material y Método: Estudio ecológico con enfoque cuantitativo. Los datos secundarios se extrajeron del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (SINAN, según su sigla en portugués). Se verificó la relación entre los indicadores epidemiológicos de la lepra con la cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar y el Índice de Desarrollo Humano Municipal mediante la regresión de Poisson con inflación de ceros. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 12.134 casos nuevos de lepra. El crecimiento de la cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar contribuyó significativamente al incremento de la tasa de detección en la población general. La mejora del Índice de Desarrollo Humano Municipal contribuyó al crecimiento de casos de la enfermedad en la población general y la reducción en personas menores de 15 años. Conclusión: Hubo una mejora en los indicadores epidemiológicos de la enfermedad mediante la implementación de servicios de salud y avances en los indicadores sociales, sin embargo, aún existen situaciones de pobreza y desigualdad que contribuyen a la continuidad de la lepra. Se refuerza la importancia de inversiones en acciones de salud y políticas inclusivas, con miras a mitigar las disparidades existentes y controlar esta endemia.

Validation of a cross-NTD toolkit for assessment of NTD-related morbidity and disability. A cross-cultural qualitative validation of study instruments in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Many neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are not fatal, but they are disabling, disfiguring and stigmatizing. More accurate data on these aspects would benefit planning, monitoring and evaluation of interventions, as well as provision of appropriate services for the often life-long consequences. In 2015, a cross-NTD toolkit was developed, consisting of a variety of existing questionnaires to measure morbidity, disability and health-related quality of life. The toolkit covers the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. These tools have been developed in a source country, however, it was intended for the cross-NTD toolkit to be applicable across NTDs in many countries with different cultures and languages in order to generate universally comparative data. Therefore; the present study aimed to validate several tools of the toolkit among people affected by leprosy or leishmaniasis in the cultural settings of Cartagena and Cúcuta, Colombia. METHODOLOGY: This study aimed to validate the following tools among 55 participants between 18-85 years old, affected by leprosy and leishmaniasis: (I) Clinical Profile, (II) Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ), (III) WHO Quality of Life assessment-abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF), and (IV) WHO Quality of Life assessment-Disability (WHOQOL-DIS). The tools were administered during face-to-face interviews and were followed by open questions about the respondents' thoughts on format of the tool and the understanding, relevance and acceptability of the items. The tools were validated using a qualitative method approach based on the framework for cultural equivalence, measured by the cultural, item, semantic and operational equivalences. RESULTS: The Clinical Profile was seen as acceptable and relevant, only the semantic equivalence was not as satisfying and needs a few adaptations. The SRQ was very well understood and shows to reach the equivalences for the population of Colombia without any additional changes. Several items of the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-DIS were not well understood and changes are recommended due to semantic difficulties. Operational equivalence of both questionnaires was not as desired in relation to the used response scales. The participants shared that the tools are relevant and important for their particular situation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The SRQ is found to be a valid tool for Colombia and can be included in the cross-NTD toolkit. The Clinical Profile, WHOQOL-BREF & WHOQOL-DIS need changes and retesting among Colombian people affected by an NTD. The toolkit as a whole is seen as useful to show the effects leprosy and leishmaniasis have on the participants. This cultural validation will contribute to a universally applicable cross-NTD toolkit.

The reliability of information records in the Health Information System: surveillance of intra-domiciliary leprosy contacts / confiabilidade dos registros de informações no Sistema de Informação em Saúde: vigilância de contatos intradomiciliares de hanseníase / La confiabilidad de los registros de las informaciones en sistema de Información en Salud: vigilancia de los contactos intradomiciliares de hanseniase

The objective of this study was to compare intra-domiciliary contacts (IDCs) in the Health Information System (SIS) with records of people diagnosed with leprosy. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective, and quantitative study based on the physical information collected in medical records and the SIS records in 2015 and 2016, in a municipality in the countryside of the State of São Paulo. We used an instrument with variables related to IDCs such as gender, age, relationship, disease, BCG-ID vaccine, SIS records, and descriptive analysis. Out of the 81 IDCs from 40 diagnosed patients, 72 were evaluated, and 71 were included in the SIS. One IDC became ill after the end of treatment of the index case. The prevalent gender among IDCs was female, young adults, and children. A difference of 12.4% as observed between the physical and SIS records; a difference of 11.1% was observed when correlating 81 records with the frequency of the 72 evaluated IDCs. It is concluded that the IDC and SIS records are in disagreement.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os contatos intradomiciliares (CIs) do Sistema de Informação em Saúde (SIS) com os registros de pessoas diagnosticadas com hanseníase. Estudo transversal, retrospectivo e quantitativo, baseado nas informações coletadas em registros físicos e do SIS em 2015 e 2016, em um município do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Foi utilizado um instrumento com variáveis relacionadas aos CIs: sexo, idade, relacionamento, doença, vacina BCG-ID, registros SIS e análise descritiva. Dos 81 CIs de 40 pacientes diagnosticados, 72 foram avaliados e 71 foram incluídos no SIS. 01 CIs adoeceu após o término do tratamento do caso índice. O sexo prevalente dos CIs é feminino, adulto jovem e filho. Entre os registros físicos e do SIS, houve uma diferença de 12,4%; e correlacionando os mesmos registros (81) com a frequência dos CIs avaliados (72), há uma diferença de 11,1%. Conclui-se que existe discordância entre os registos de CIs nos registos com o SIS.

El estudio tiene el objetivo de comparar las anotaciones de comunicantes intradomiciliares (CI) del Sistema de Información en Salud (SIS), con las de los prontuarios de las personas diagnosticadas con leprae. En el presente trabajo se analizaron los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de los resultados obtenidos, evaluados en los registros del SIS. De los 81 CI de 40 pacientes diagnosticados, 72 fueron evaluados y 71 fueron incluidos en el SIS. Y en el caso de las mujeres, El grado de parentesco frecuente fue infantil, mujeres y adultos jóvenes. Entre las anotaciones del SIS y los prontuarios, hay diferencia del 12,4%; y correlacionando los mismos registros (81) con la frecuencia de los CI evaluados (72), hay una diferencia del 11,1%. Se concluye que hay discordancia entre los registros de CI en los prontuarios con el SIS.

Trend analysis of leprosy indicators in a hyperendemic Brazilian state, 2001-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of leprosy indicators in a hyperendemic state of Brazil, from 2001-2015. METHODS: This is a time-series study of leprosy indicators in the state of Maranhão, Northeastern region of Brazil. The study used data from the Brazilian National System of Reportable Diseases, for the period between 2001 and 2015. The following indicators were evaluated: (i) detection coefficient in the general population; (ii) detection coefficient in people under 15 years old; (iii) rate of cases with grade 2 physical disability in the diagnosis; (iv) rate of examined contacts, and (v) proportion of healing . The Prais-Winsten regression model was used for trend analysis. Analyses were performed for the state and by each health region. RESULTS: 77,697 leprosy cases were analyzed in the general population and 7,599 in individuals under 15 years old. The detection coefficient in the general population ranged from 80.7/100 thousand inhabitants in 2001 to 51.2/100 thousand inhabitants in 2015. The coefficient in the general population presented a downward trend (annual percentage variation [APV] = -2.98; 95%CI -4.15- -1.79). For the population under 15 years old, the rate was 24.9/100 thousand inhabitants in 2001, and 19.9/100 thousand inhabitants in 2015, with downward trend (APV = -3.07; 95%CI -4.95- -1.15). It was observed upward trend in rate of contacts examined (APV = 2.35; 95%CI 0.58-4.15) and rate of cases with grade 2 disability (APV = 2.19; 95%CI 0.23-4.19). Stationary trend was observed in the proportion of healing (APV = -0.10; 95%CI -0.50-0.30). Regional differences were found in the performance of the indicators. CONCLUSIONS: A downward trend for the detection coefficients in the general population and in individuals under 15 years old was found in Maranhão. Despite this result, the rates are still very high, demanding efforts from all spheres of public administration and health professionals to reduce the burden of the disease in the state.