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.

Representações sócio-históricas de uma doença: um estudo sobre cartazes de campanhas para o combate à hanseníase na segunda metade do século XX / Socio-historical representations of a disease: a study of posters from campaigns against Hansen's disease during the second half of the twentieth century

Resumo Este artigo analisa o uso de fontes iconográficas no contexto das campanhas educativas para o combate à hanseníase numa perspectiva sócio-histórica em quatro momentos: décadas de 1950, 1960, 1980 e 1990. São analisados quatro cartazes para identificar os elementos (textuais, visuais ou gráficos) utilizados para elaborar um discurso sobre a doença e os doentes; suas transformações discursivas e permanências, além de verificar como se tornaram parte de uma narrativa de memória institucional ligada à saúde pública paulista. As fontes estudadas fazem parte da coleção Cartazes de Campanhas de Saúde, cujos itens foram produzidos por diversas instituições ligadas à saúde pública e integram o acervo do Museu de Saúde Pública Emílio Ribas.

Abstract This article analyzes the use of iconographic sources in the context of educational campaigns to combat Hansen's disease from a socio-historical perspective at four points in time: the 1950s, 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s. Four posters are analyzed to identify the elements (textual, visual or graphic) used to develop discourse on this disease and those it affected and transformations and permanences in this discourse, as well as to verify how they became part of a narrative of institutional memory linked to public health in the state of São Paulo. These were produced by various public health institutions and are part of the Health Campaign Poster Collection held by the Emílio Ribas Public Health Museum.

Cost-effectiveness of incorporating Mycobacterium indicus pranii vaccine to multidrug therapy in newly diagnosed leprosy cases for better treatment outcomes & immunoprophylaxis in contacts as leprosy control measures for National Leprosy Eradication Programme in India.

Background & objectives: The elimination goal for leprosy as a public health problem at the national level was achieved in 2005 in India. However, the number of new cases reporting annually remained nearly the same during the last 10-15 years. Moreover, a substantial number of these new cases reported disabilities for the first time. Therefore, besides multidrug therapy (MDT), newer strategies with focus on effectively decreasing the number of new cases, optimizing the treatment of detected cases, averting disabilities and arresting the transmission of the disease are required. So the objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) vaccine implementation in National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) for newly diagnosed leprosy patients as well as their contacts to arrest/decrease the transmission and occurrence of new cases. Methods: This was a model-based estimation of incremental costs, total quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, new cases averted, deaths averted, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and budget impact of the vaccination intervention. This model included the addition of MIP treatment intervention to the newly detected leprosy patients as well as vaccination with MIP to their contacts. Results: Using the societal perspective, discounted ICER was estimated to be ₹73,790 per QALY gained over a five-year time period. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was assessed by varying the values of input parameters. Majority (96%) of simulations fell in North East quadrant of cost-effectiveness plane, which were all below the willingness to pay threshold. Interpretation & conclusions: Introduction of MIP vaccination in the NLEP appears to be a cost-effective strategy for India. Significant health gains were reduction in the number of new leprosy cases, decreased incidence and severity of reactions during treatment, and after release from treatment, prevention of disabilities, thus reducing the cost as well as stigma of the disease.

Development of an integrated, holistic care package for people with lymphoedema for use at the level of the Primary Health Care Unit in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of several communicable and non-communicable diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. The co-endemicity of these diseases, the similarity of their clinical signs, and the need to maximize limited financial and human resources suggest the importance of adoptingan integratedapproach to their prevention and treatment. AIMS: This study describes the development of a comprehensive package of physical, mental health and psychosocial care for people with lower-limb lymphoedema caused bypodoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis (LF)or leprosy as part of the EnDPoINT program in Ethiopia. METHOD: The care package was developed using a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a literature review, situational analysis, Theory of Change (ToC) workshops, qualitative research, and additional workshops to fine-tune the draft care package. The care package was developed between March 2018 and January 2020 in Addis Ababa and the implementation research site, Awi zone in the North-West of Ethiopia. RESULTS: The holistic care package includes components implemented at three levels of the health care system:health organization, facility, and community. Sections of the care package are directed at strengthening capacity building, program management, community engagement, awareness-raising, stigma-reduction, morbidity management, disability prevention, follow-up visits, referral linkage, community-based rehabilitation, and monitoring and evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The study developed a holistic integrated care package for lower limb disorder and co-morbid mental health problems caused by podoconiosis, LF or leprosy. The approach has the potential to significantly reduce lower limb disorder-associated morbidity, disability, and psychosocial problems. It also standardizes a scalable approach appropriate for the Ethiopian setting and, most likely, other countries where these NTDs are present.

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.

Role of national dermatology societies: A perspective from Tunis.

Dermatology in French-speaking African countries is facing many challenges. Dermatology societies, if they exist, are relatively young and have limited financial resources to provide regular training opportunities for their members and those in training. In several sub-Saharan nations, the small number of dermatologists is truly alarming with the prevalence of such major skin diseases as cutaneous leishmaniasis, AIDS, mycetoma, leprosy, and the consequences of skin bleaching procedures, reaching catastrophic figures.

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.

Leprosy in the post-elimination phase: so near and yet so far.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease affecting primarily the skin and peripheral nerves. WHO multi-drug therapy launched in 1982 revolutionized the treatment of this old age scourge, paving the way for leprosy elimination at global and national level. The global prevalence came down from over 5 million cases in the 1980s to less than 200,000 at the end of 2016. At present, India, Brazil and Indonesia are the top three countries with maximum leprosy load. The Indian national leprosy programme achieved the prevalence rate of less than 1/10,000 in the year 2005 but even after decade of attaining the WHO elimination target, India still contributes over 50% of the cases to the global leprosy burden leading the pack. Despite achieving the elimination target, the incidence of the disease has not come down as new cases continue to be reported or have plateaued worldwide. Adding to the boil is the persistence of social disparity and shadow of discriminatory laws in the statute books of many countries. Although significant success has been achieved in leprosy control over the years, but as the old adage goes, 'the last lap is the hardest and requires special efforts'. WHO global leprosy strategy 2016-2020 has a vision to achieve "the three zeros": zero disease, zero disability and zero discrimination. The present review focuses on the global and national leprosy scenario, changes made in the leprosy programme in the post-elimination phase and its consequences particularly in India, new scientific advances/insights and global and national strategies to deal with the hurdles in the road towards a "leprosy free world".

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.

Trend analysis of leprosy indicators in a hyperendemic Brazilian state, 2001-2015 / Análise da tendência dos indicadores da hanseníase em estado brasileiro hiperendêmico, 2001-2015

ABSTRACT 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.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a tendência temporal dos indicadores da hanseníase em estado brasileiro hiperendêmico, no período de 2011 a 2015. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo de série temporal dos indicadores de hanseníase no estado do Maranhão, região Nordeste, que utilizou dados do Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação, no período de 2001 a 2015. Foram avaliados os seguintes indicadores: (i) coeficiente de detecção na população em geral; (ii) coeficiente de detecção em menores de 15 anos; (iii) proporção de casos com grau 2 de incapacidade física no diagnóstico; (iv) proporção de contatos examinados e (v) proporção de cura. Para análise da tendência foi utilizado o modelo de regressão de Prais Winsten . As análises foram realizadas para o Estado e por região de saúde. RESULTADOS Foram analisados 77.697 casos de hanseníase na população geral e 7.599 em menores de 15 anos. O coeficiente de detecção na população geral variou de 80,7/100 mil habitantes em 2001 para 51,2/100 mil habitantes em 2015. Verificou-se tendência decrescente do coeficiente na população geral (variação percentual anual [VPA] = -2,98; IC95% -4,15- -1,79). Na população menor de 15 anos, o coeficiente foi de 24,9/100 mil habitantes em 2001 para 19,9/100 mil habitantes em 2015, com tendência decrescente (VPA = -3,07; IC95% -4,95- -1,15). Observou-se tendência crescente na proporção de contatos examinados (VPA = 2,35; IC95%: 0,58-4,15) e na proporção de casos com grau 2 de incapacidade (VPA = 2,19; IC95% 0,23-4,19). Verificou-se tendência estacionária na proporção de cura de hanseníase (VPA = -0,10; IC95% -0,50-0,30). Observaram-se diferenças regionais no desempenho dos indicadores. CONCLUSÕES A tendência dos coeficientes de detecção na população geral e em menores de 15 anos mostrou-se decrescente no Maranhão. Apesar disso, as taxas ainda são muito elevadas, o que exige esforços de todas as esferas de gestão e profissionais da saúde para redução da carga da doença no estado.

Fatores relacionados ao desempenho da atenção primária à saúde nas ações de controle da hanseníase / Factors related to the performance of primary health care in leprosy control actions

Diante da heterogeneidade que caracteriza a integração das ações de controle da hanseníase no âmbito da atenção primária, torna- se fundamental compreender os fatores que contribuem para a qualidade dos serviços, tendo em vista a doença como problema de saúde pública, pela importância epidemiológica no território e área estratégica de atuação dos serviços de atenção primária. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o grau de orientação da atenção primária à saúde nas ações de controle e eliminação da hanseníase em Belo Horizonte e identificar fatores que influenciam no desempenho dos serviços. Estudo transversal, realizado com 70 Equipes de Saúde da Família de Belo Horizonte, de julho a setembro/2014. Entrevistaram-se 408 profissionais, sendo 189 gestores, 65 médicos, 79 enfermeiros e 75 Agentes Comunitários de Saúde. Foi utilizada uma ferramenta de avaliação que mede o grau de orientação da atenção primária na realização das ações de controle da hanseníase, e referia-se aos atributos da atenção primária (acesso, porta de entrada, integralidade dos serviços disponíveis, integralidade dos serviços prestados, coordenação, orientação profissional, orientação familiar e orientação comunitária). Posteriormente, calcularam-se indicadores de monitoramento da hanseníase utilizando a média da série histórica de 2012 a 2016, tendo como fonte o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Utilizou-se a correlação de Spearman e o modelo de regressão linear múltipla- bootstrap, para analisar a associação do grau de orientação da atenção primária nas ações de hanseníase com os fatores explicativos (nível de significância p<0,05). A maioria dos participantes atua há mais de 10 anos na atenção primária, 62% referiram realizar ações de controle da hanseníase no território, e, em sua maioria, não acompanharam casos da doença e 48,8% não foram treinados. Em relação ao comportamento epidemiológico, observou-se heterogeneidade nos distritos sanitários, de Belo Horizonte, com variações nos indicadores de saúde. Na avaliação do grau de orientação da atenção primária nas ações de hanseníase, constatou-se fraca orientação na perspectiva dos médicos e enfermeiros, no entanto, na ótica dos distritos sanitários forte orientação. Houve correlação entre escore geral e percentual de casos tratados na atenção primária e de cobertura de equipe de saúde da família. No escore derivado, houve correlação com percentual de casos tratados na atenção primária, e, no essencial, com a proporção e taxa de casos diagnosticados, grau 2 de incapacidade física. Foi observado forte orientação no escore essencial e geral, e associação com os treinamentos de hanseníase. No escore derivado, fraca orientação e associação com as capacitações para médicos e agentes comunitários de saúde. O gestor apresentou uma avaliação conservadora quando comparado às demais categorias de participantes, e as diferenças mais expressivas foram observadas na avaliação do escore derivado. A qualidade das ações de controle da hanseníase desempenhadas pelos profissionais da atenção primária produz impactos nos indicadores de saúde, sendo necessário elaborar estratégias condizentes com a realidade do território. A experiência profissional da equipe de saúde da família na assistência á hanseníase é determinante para que o serviço seja provedor de ações de controle orientadas segundo os atributos essenciais e derivados da atenção primária. O Brasil avançou na redução da incidência, porém deve aumentar a eficácia da vigilância em saúde como forma de fortalecer a detecção precoce e a formação dos profissionais.(AU)

In view of the heterogeneity that characterizes the integration of leprosy control actions in primary health care, it is fundamental to understand the factors that contribute to the quality of services, considering the disease as a public health problem, epidemiological importance in the territory and strategic area of action of the primary care services. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of orientation of primary health care in the actions of control and elimination of leprosy in Belo Horizonte and to identify factors that influence the performance of services. Cross - sectional study, carried out with 70 Family Health Teams of Belo Horizonte, from July to September / 2014. 408 professionals were interviewed, of which 189 were managers, 65 doctors, 79 nurses and 75 Community Health Agents. An evaluation tool was used to measure the orientation of primary care in the implementation of leprosy control actions. (access, door of entry, integrality of services available, integrality of services provided, coordination, professional orientation, family orientation and community orientation). Subsequently, leprosy monitoring indicators were calculated using the historical series average from 2012 to 2016, based on the Notification of Injury Information System. The Spearman's correlation and the multiple-bootstrap linear regression model were used to analyze the association of the degree of primary care orientation in the leprosy actions with explanatory factors (significance level p <0.05). Most of the participants have been working in primary care for more than 10 years, 62% reported having leprosy control actions in the territory, and, for the most part, they did not follow cases of the disease and 48.8% were not trained. Regarding the epidemiological behavior, there was heterogeneity in the health districts of Belo Horizonte, with variations in health indicators. In the evaluation of the degree of orientation of primary care in the leprosy actions, it was observed a poor orientation from the perspective of the doctors and nurses, however, from the perspective of the health districts strong orientation. There was correlation between general score and percentage of cases treated in primary care and family health care coverage. In the derived score, there was correlation with the percentage of cases treated in primary care, and, essentially, with the proportion and rate of diagnosed cases, grade 2 of physical disability. Strong orientation was observed in the essential and general score, and association with leprosy training. In the derived score, poor orientation and association with the training for physicians and community health agents. The manager presented a conservative evaluation when compared to the other categories of participants, and the most significant differences were observed in the evaluation of the derived score. The quality of leprosy control actions carried out by primary care professionals produces impacts on health indicators, and it is necessary to elaborate strategies consistent with the reality of the territory. The professional experience of the family health team in assisting leprosy is determinant for the service to be the provider of control actions oriented according to the essential attributes and derived from primary care. Brazil has made progress in reducing incidence, but should increase the effectiveness of health surveillance as a means of strengthening early detection and training of professionals.(AU)

Avaliação dos atributos da atenção primária à saúde nas ações de controle da hanseníase / Assessment of the attributes of primary health care in leprosy control actions / Evaluación de los atributos de la atención primaria a la salud en las acciones de control de la lepra

Objetivo: avaliar a presença e extensão dos atributos da atenção primária nas ações de controle da hanseníase, na visão dos profissionais de saúde. Método: estudo transversal, envolvendo 251 profissionais da atenção primária de Betim. Utilizou-se o Instrumento de avaliação de desempenho da atenção primária nas ações de controle da hanseníase, mediante entrevistas, sendo o escore calculado por meio da média das respostas dadas pelas Escala de Likert. Foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Resultados: forte orientação do serviço (≥6,6) nos atributos porta de entrada, integralidade dos serviços disponíveis e prestados, e orientação familiar; e fragilidades (<6,6) no acesso, orientação comunitária e profissional. Conclusão: ao avaliar a presença e extensão dos referidos atributos, os profissionais constataram deficiências que prejudicam a qualidade das ações de controle da hanseníase. Torna-se necessário integrar as ações da endemia na atenção primária para eliminar esse grave problema de saúde pública. Descritores: Hanseníase; atenção primária à saúde; pesquisa sobre serviços de saúde; enfermagem.

Objective: to evaluate the presence and extent of the attributes of primary health care in leprosy control measures in the view of health professionals. Method: this cross-sectional study involved 251 primary health care personnel in Betim. The Assessment Instrument primary care performance in leprosy control measures was used through interviews, with scores calculated as means of Likert Scale responses. The study was approved by the research ethics committee of Minas Gerais Federal University. Results: strengths (≥ 6.6) were service orientation to gateway attributes, comprehensiveness of services available and provided, and the family; and weaknesses (<6.6) were access, and orientation towards the community and health professionals. Conclusion: when evaluating the presence and extent of the attributes, the health professionals found deficiencies that impaired the quality of leprosy control measures. Measures to address the endemic must be integrated into primary care in order to eliminate this serious public health problem.

Objetivo: evaluar la presencia y extensión de los atributos de la atención primaria en las acciones de control de la lepra desde el punto de vista de profesionales de salud. Método: estudio transversal, involucrando a 251 profesionales de la atención primaria de Betim. Se utilizó el Instrumento de evaluación de rendimiento de la atención primaria en las acciones de control de la lepra, a través de entrevistas, siendo la puntuación calculada a través del promedio de las respuestas dadas por la escala de Likert. Estudio aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais. Resultados: fuerte orientación del servicio (≥6,6) en los atributos puerta de entrada, integralidad de los servicios disponibles y ofrecidos, orientación familiar y fragilidades (<6.6) en el acceso, orientación comunitaria y profesional. Conclusión: al evaluar la presencia y extensión de los mencionados atributos, los profesionales constataron deficiencias que perjudican la calidad de las acciones de control de la lepra. Se hace necesario integrar las acciones de la endemia en la atención primaria para eliminar este grave problema de salud pública.

Leprosy in individuals under the age of fifteen in priority cities, Mato Grosso, Brazil. / Hanseníase em menores de quinze anos em municípios prioritários, Mato Grosso, Brasil.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of individuals under the age of 15, reported to have leprosy, and who lived in priority and non-priority cities, as well as to compare the spatial distribution of these reported cases in such cities. This is a cross-sectional study of new leprosy cases in individuals under the age of 15 (n=429) registered in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases from the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, between 2011 and 2013. The diagnosed cases were compared regarding sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological aspects using the chi-square test at a 5% significance level. The spatial distribution was made through ArcGIS 10.2 software. RESULTS: Of the 141 assessed cities in the state, according to the spatial distribution, 58.1% (n=82) showed a high, very high and hyper-endemic mean incidence coefficient, and, of these, 34.1% (n=28) include the group of priority municipalities. Of the new cases included in the study, 73.9% (n=317) were reported in priority cities. We observed a difference in the proportion of cases registered among the cities, with a greater proportion in priority cities, in the age group from five to nine years old (χ²=4.09; p=0.043), in the white race (χ²=7.01; p=0.008) and in the tuberculoid clinical form (χ²=3.89; p=0.048). There was a greater proportion in non-priority cases with regard to non-urban areas (χ²=24.23; p<0.001), two to five skin lesions (χ²=5.93; p=0.014) and spontaneous demand (χ²=6.16; p=0.013). CONCLUSION: The differences highlighted regarding clinical and epidemiological characteristics between the cities demonstrate the difficulty of endemic control in both municipality groups.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e epidemiológicas de indivíduos menores de 15 anos notificados com hanseníase entre os municípios prioritários e os não prioritários, bem como a distribuição espacial destes casos registrados em tais municípios. Trata-se de um estudo transversal a partir de casos novos de hanseníase em menores de 15 anos (n=429) registrados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do estado de Mato Grosso, entre 2011 e 2013. Os casos diagnosticados foram comparados quanto aos aspectos sociodemográficos, clínicos e epidemiológico por meio do teste do qui-quadrado ao nível de significância de 5%. A distribuição espacial foi feita por meio do software ArcGis 10.2. RESULTADOS: Dos 141 municípios do estado avaliados segundo a distribuição espacial, 58,1% (n=82) apresentaram coeficiente médio de incidência alto, muito alto e hiperendêmico, sendo que, destes, 34,1% (n=28) contemplam o grupo dos prioritários. Dos casos novos incluídos no estudo, 73,9% (n=317) foram notificados em municípios prioritários. Observou-se diferença na proporção de casos registrados entre os municípios, com maior proporção nos prioritários quanto à idade de 5 a 9 anos (χ²=4,09; p=0,043), raça branca (χ²=7,01; p=0,008) e forma clínica tuberculoide (χ²=3,89; p=0,048), e maior proporção nos não prioritários quanto à zona não urbana (χ²=24,23; p<0,001), duas a cinco lesões (χ²=5,93; p=0,014) e demanda espontânea (χ²=6,16; p=0,013). CONCLUSÃO: As diferenças evidenciadas em relação às características clínicas e epidemiológicas entre os municípios demonstram a dificuldade de controle da endemia em ambos os grupos de municípios.

Socioeconomic risk markers of leprosy in high-burden countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Over 200,000 new cases of leprosy are detected each year, of which approximately 7% are associated with grade-2 disabilities (G2Ds). For achieving leprosy elimination, one of the main challenges will be targeting higher risk groups within endemic communities. Nevertheless, the socioeconomic risk markers of leprosy remain poorly understood. To address this gap we systematically reviewed MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, LILACS and Web of Science for original articles investigating the social determinants of leprosy in countries with > 1000 cases/year in at least five years between 2006 and 2016. Cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and ecological studies were eligible for inclusion; qualitative studies, case reports, and reviews were excluded. Out of 1,534 non-duplicate records, 96 full-text articles were reviewed, and 39 met inclusion criteria. 17 were included in random-effects meta-analyses for sex, occupation, food shortage, household contact, crowding, and lack of clean (i.e., treated) water. The majority of studies were conducted in Brazil, India, or Bangladesh while none were undertaken in low-income countries. Descriptive synthesis indicated that increased age, poor sanitary and socioeconomic conditions, lower level of education, and food-insecurity are risk markers for leprosy. Additionally, in pooled estimates, leprosy was associated with being male (RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.06-1.67), performing manual labor (RR = 2.15, 95% CI = 0.97-4.74), suffering from food shortage in the past (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.05-1.85), being a household contact of a leprosy patient (RR = 3.40, 95% CI = 2.24-5.18), and living in a crowded household (≥5 per household) (RR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.14-1.67). Lack of clean water did not appear to be a risk marker of leprosy (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.65-1.35). Additionally, ecological studies provided evidence that lower inequality, better human development, increased healthcare coverage, and cash transfer programs are linked with lower leprosy risks. These findings point to a consistent relationship between leprosy and unfavorable economic circumstances and, thereby, underscore the pressing need of leprosy control policies to target socially vulnerable groups in high-burden countries.

BCG vaccine: WHO position paper, February 2018 - Recommendations.

This article presented the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations on the use of on Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine excerpted from the BCG vaccines: WHO position paper - February 2018 published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record [1]. This position paper replaces the 2004 WHO position paper on Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine [2] and the 2007 WHO revised BCG vaccination guidelines for infants at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection [3]. It incorporates recent developments in the tuberculosis (TB) field, provides revised guidance on the immunization of children infected with HIV, and re-emphasizes the importance of the birth dose. This position paper also includes recommendations for the prevention of leprosy. Footnotes to this paper provide a number of core references including references to grading tables that assess the quality of the scientific evidence, and to the evidence-to-recommendation tables. In accordance with its mandate to provide guidance to Member States on health policy matters, WHO issues a series of regularly updated position papers on vaccines and combinations of vaccines against diseases that have an international public health impact. These papers are concerned primarily with the use of vaccines in large-scale immunization programmes; they summarize essential background information on diseases and vaccines, and conclude with WHO's current position on the use of vaccines in the global context. Recommendations on the use of cholera vaccines were discussed by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) in October 2017; evidence presented at these meetings can be accessed at: http://www.who.int/immunization/sage/meetings/2017/october/presentations_background_docs/en/.

[Leprosy and primary care: an evaluation study from a medical perspective]. / Hanseníase e atenção primária: um estudo avaliativo sob a ótica do médico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence and extent of essential attributes derived from primary health care in a leprosy control program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an assessment of health programs, focused on leprosy and targeted at doctors working on control actions in a leprosy program of primary health care units. A questionnaire developed and validated in another study was used to measure the presence and scope of primary health care attributes in disease control. Data were entered into a database and statistical and descriptive analysis was carried out. This study was approved within the framework of CEP No. 1.128.385. RESULTS: Overall scores and essential attributes of leprosy control actions showed a high exposure to leprosy control actions in the studied city. Community's access, orientation and guidance attributes averaged below the cutoff point, demonstrating the existing weaknesses in the items that make up these attributes. CONCLUSION: Despite the weaknesses identified, the study showed high orientation towards the development of leprosy control actions, according to the assessment made by doctors working in primary care.

Hanseníase em menores de quinze anos em municípios prioritários, Mato Grosso, Brasil / Leprosy in individuals under the age of fifteen in priority cities, Mato Grosso, Brazil

RESUMO: Objetivos: Comparar as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e epidemiológicas de indivíduos menores de 15 anos notificados com hanseníase entre os municípios prioritários e os não prioritários, bem como a distribuição espacial destes casos registrados em tais municípios. Trata-se de um estudo transversal a partir de casos novos de hanseníase em menores de 15 anos (n=429) registrados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do estado de Mato Grosso, entre 2011 e 2013. Os casos diagnosticados foram comparados quanto aos aspectos sociodemográficos, clínicos e epidemiológico por meio do teste do qui-quadrado ao nível de significância de 5%. A distribuição espacial foi feita por meio do software ArcGis 10.2. Resultados: Dos 141 municípios do estado avaliados segundo a distribuição espacial, 58,1% (n=82) apresentaram coeficiente médio de incidência alto, muito alto e hiperendêmico, sendo que, destes, 34,1% (n=28) contemplam o grupo dos prioritários. Dos casos novos incluídos no estudo, 73,9% (n=317) foram notificados em municípios prioritários. Observou-se diferença na proporção de casos registrados entre os municípios, com maior proporção nos prioritários quanto à idade de 5 a 9 anos (χ²=4,09; p=0,043), raça branca (χ²=7,01; p=0,008) e forma clínica tuberculoide (χ²=3,89; p=0,048), e maior proporção nos não prioritários quanto à zona não urbana (χ²=24,23; p<0,001), duas a cinco lesões (χ²=5,93; p=0,014) e demanda espontânea (χ²=6,16; p=0,013). Conclusão: As diferenças evidenciadas em relação às características clínicas e epidemiológicas entre os municípios demonstram a dificuldade de controle da endemia em ambos os grupos de municípios.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: We aimed to compare the sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of individuals under the age of 15, reported to have leprosy, and who lived in priority and non-priority cities, as well as to compare the spatial distribution of these reported cases in such cities. This is a cross-sectional study of new leprosy cases in individuals under the age of 15 (n=429) registered in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases from the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, between 2011 and 2013. The diagnosed cases were compared regarding sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological aspects using the chi-square test at a 5% significance level. The spatial distribution was made through ArcGIS 10.2 software. Results: Of the 141 assessed cities in the state, according to the spatial distribution, 58.1% (n=82) showed a high, very high and hyper-endemic mean incidence coefficient, and, of these, 34.1% (n=28) include the group of priority municipalities. Of the new cases included in the study, 73.9% (n=317) were reported in priority cities. We observed a difference in the proportion of cases registered among the cities, with a greater proportion in priority cities, in the age group from five to nine years old (χ²=4.09; p=0.043), in the white race (χ²=7.01; p=0.008) and in the tuberculoid clinical form (χ²=3.89; p=0.048). There was a greater proportion in non-priority cases with regard to non-urban areas (χ²=24.23; p<0.001), two to five skin lesions (χ²=5.93; p=0.014) and spontaneous demand (χ²=6.16; p=0.013). Conclusion: The differences highlighted regarding clinical and epidemiological characteristics between the cities demonstrate the difficulty of endemic control in both municipality groups.

Validação do instrumento de avaliação do desempenho da atenção primária nas ações de controle da hanseníase (PCAT ­ hanseníase): versão profissionais / Validation of assessment tool to performance leprosy control actions in primary care (PCAT ­ leprosy): professional version

Introdução: A hanseníase ainda é um problema de saúde pública no Brasil e os serviços de atenção primária possuem papel primordial na realização das ações de prevenção e controle para redução da carga de doença. Objetivo: construir e validar um instrumento de avaliação do desempenho da atenção primária nas ações de controle da hanseníase na perspectiva dos profissionais médicos e enfermeiros. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico de construção e validação de instrumento. Foram realizadas a validação de face e conteúdo com 15 especialistas, pré-teste do instrumento com 37 profissionais do município de Betim e validação de construto e de confiabilidade, cuja amostra foi composta por 124 enfermeiros e médicos de Almenara, Teófilo Otoni e Governador Valadares. Os dados foram coletados no período de junho a dezembro de 2012. Para a validação de construto, foi utilizada a análise fatorial exploratória. Para a validade, a análise da consistência interna foi realizada utilizando o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e considerou-se um valor de, no mínimo, 0,70. O estudo de confiabilidade teste/reteste foi realizado por meio da reaplicação do instrumento em 10% da amostra, 30 dias após o término da coleta de dados em cada município. Utilizou-se o Teste de Wilcoxon, adotando o valor de p≥0,05. Resultados: A primeira fase do estudo permitiu a exclusão de 86 itens do questionário e não foi possível realizar a validação de construto devido à inadequação da amostra. Optou-se em realizar a análise fatorial para explorar o comportamento dos itens dos atributos e efetuar a exclusão dos itens em espelho à versão do instrumento destinada aos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde que foi validada. O instrumento mostrou medidas de fidedignidade aceitáveis. Conclusão: A utilização do instrumento proposto poderá identificar as fragilidades da atenção primária na atenção à hanseníase segundo a experiência dos profissionais.

Introduction: Leprosy is still a public health problem in Brazil, and primary health care services play a major role in the prevention and control actions to reduce the burden of disease. Objective: The study aimed to construct and validate an instrument to assess the performance of primary care in leprosy actions control in primary care from the perspective of doctors and nurses. Material and Methods: This study constructed and validated an instrument. The face and content validity was performed with 15 experts, pretesting with 37 professionals in the municipality of Betim and construct and reliability validation were performed with 124 nurses and doctors from Almenara, Governador Valadares and Teófilo Otoni. Data were collected from June to December 2012. For the construct validation, the exploratory factorial analysis was used. For validity, internal consistency analysis was performed using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and a value of at least 0.70 was considered. The test / retest reliability study was performed by means of the reapplication of the instrument in 10% of the sample, 30 days after the end of the data collection in each municipality. The Wilcoxon test was used, adopting the value of p≥0.05. Results: The first phase of the study allowed the exclusion of 86 items of the questionnaire and it was not possible to construct validation because of inadequate sample. It was decided to perform the factorial analysis to explore the behavior of the items of the attributes and to exclude the items in mirror to the version of the instrument for the Community Health Agents that was validated. The instrument proved to be acceptable measures of reliability. Conclusion: The use of the proposed instrument can identify the weaknesses of primary care in leprosy care according to the professionals experience.