Evaluation by community health agents of the attributes of primary health care for fighting leprosy: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the attributes of Primary Healthcare are present in leprosy control actions in Londrina from Community Health Workers' (CHW) perspectives. METHOD: Observational and evaluative study. Data collection occurred between January and March 2020 in Londrina, Paraná, using the questionnaire "Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) - Hansen's disease - CHW version" and a population-based census of 246 CHWs from 52 Primary Healthcare Units. The analyses used a cutoff point (≥ 6.6), central tendency, and dispersion measures. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were used to analyze differences. Results: The general performance towards the primary healthcare attributes were evaluated as strong (mean = 6.95 / SD = 1.08) and the essential score (mean = 7.39 / SD = 1.0). On the other hand, the derived score was evaluated as poor (mean = 6.07 / sd = 1.06). Concerning the Access attribute, the rural zone had a lower score than the urban (mean = 4.47 / SD = 1.63). Conclusion: The study highlights issues that can be improved, such as first contact access, catalog of services offered to leprosy patients, information provided to the community, professional training, and differences in PHC performance between urban and rural regions.

HIV and AIDS in the state of Paraná, Brazil, 2007-2022: trends and spatiotemporal distribution / HIV e AIDS no Estado do Paraná, Brasil, 2007-2022: tendência e distribuição espaçotemporal

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the incidence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Methods: An ecological study with an analytical component of time series analysis was conducted in the state of Paraná from 2007 to 2022. The data source was the Notifiable Diseases Information System. To study the trend, the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression model was used by decomposing the time series, and for spatial analysis, the Moran's index was applied. Results: The total sample consisted of 50,676 HIV/AIDS records. The incidence rate showed an increasing trend, with an average growth of 2.14% [95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.16-3.13] per month. From 2007 to 2014 and from 2015 to 2022, the average number of cases in the state was 105.64 and 159.20 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, with significant variation among municipalities. Spatial clusters of high risk persisted in the metropolitan region, the capital, and coastal areas, and a new cluster was observed in the northern region of the state. Conclusion: The incidence rates of HIV/AIDS showed an upward trend over time. The number of cases varied considerably in some municipalities, especially in the coastal region. Spatial analysis revealed geospatial patterns of high risk in the main metropolitan areas of Paraná: Curitiba (including the coastal area), Londrina, and Maringá, which share characteristics such as a high degree of urbanization and ongoing economic development.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a evolução espaçotemporal das taxas de incidência do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS) no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com componente analítico de séries temporais e análise espacial no estado do Paraná, de 2007 a 2022. A fonte de dados foi o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Para estudar a tendência, foi utilizado o modelo de regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten por meio da decomposição de séries temporais e, para a análise espacial, foi aplicado o Índice de Moran. Resultados: A amostra total foi composta de 50.676 registros de HIV/AIDS. A taxa de incidência apresentou tendência crescente, com crescimento médio de 2,14% (intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% 1,16-3,13) ao mês. Nos períodos de 2007 a 2014 e 2015 a 2022, a média de casos no estado foi de 105,64 e 159,20 a cada 100 mil habitantes, respectivamente, com importantes variações entre os municípios. Agrupamentos espaciais de alto risco permaneceram na região metropolitana à capital e litoral e um novo agrupamento foi observado à região norte do estado. Conclusão: As taxas de incidência do HIV/AIDS apresentaram tendência temporal crescente. O número de casos variou substancialmente em alguns municípios, principalmente naqueles localizados na região litorânea. A análise espacial revelou padrões geoespaciais de alto risco nas principais regiões metropolitanas do Paraná: Curitiba (abrange o litoral), Londrina e Maringá, as quais compartilham características como elevado grau de urbanização e constante desenvolvimento econômico.

Capacitação profissional em hanseníase na Atenção Primária à Saúde: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Professional training in leprosy in Primary Health Care: a scoping review protocol

OBJETIVO: Descrever a sistematização do desenvolvimento de uma revisão de escopo para mapear evidências científicas relativas à capacitação profissional da equipe de assistência ao paciente em hanseníase na Atenção Primária à Saúde. MÉTODO: Fundamentar-se-á nas recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses - Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), atendendo às orientações do Instituto Joanna Briggs. Espera-se que as evidências encontradas na literatura nacional e internacional possam direcionar profissionais e gestores na implementação de ações de controle e eliminação da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública, por meio da educação.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the systematization of a scoping review to map scientific evidence related to the professional training of the members of the leprosy primary health care team. METHOD: The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be met, as well as the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines. It is expected that the evidence found in the national and international literature can guide professionals and managers in implementing actions to control and eliminate leprosy, a public health problem, through education.

Effectiveness of neurolysis as a treatment for complications of leprosy neuritis: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background: Complications of leprosy neuritis are considered serious and apparent, with the potential to disable and/or limit individuals. These complications affect not only a patient's physical functioning, but also their family and social lives, while directly impacting the ability to work and/or maintain financial independence, subsequently interfering with their overall quality of life. The present review, therefore, aimed to analyze the effectiveness of neurolysis as an alternative treatment for the complications associated with leprosy neuritis. Methods: The present review was performed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, in an effort to answer the following research question: what is the effectiveness of neurolysis as a treatment for leprosy neuritis complications? This research question was defined using the patient-intervention-outcome (PIO) framework, where leprosy represents 'P', neurolysis for 'I', and neuropathic pain/motor function/sensorial function/physical disability/quality of life for 'O'. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and prospective observational cohort studies were included in the present review, with no time or date restrictions. Results: The present review included 1 randomized clinical trial and 10 prospective studies, published between 1976 and 2020. All of the outcomes showed improvement, with relief from neuropathic pain being the primary finding. Conclusions: The evidence obtained in the present review suggested that neurolysis is an effective alternative for the treatment of physical disabilities, the recovery of sensory and motor function, the restoration of quality of life, and neuropathic pain relief.

Caracterização epidemiológica do HIV/AIDS em adolescentes em um município no Sul do Brasil / Epidemiological characterization of HIV/AIDS in adolescents who live in a municipality from southern Brazil

Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de HIV/AIDS em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com dados secundários do Sistema Nacional de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, de 2007 a 2019, de adolescentes residentes em um município no Sul do Brasil. Verificou-se por meio de análise descritiva e medidas de frequência variáveis demográficas, características de transmissão, infecções oportunistas e evolução dos casos. Resultados: Foram notificados 84 casos, com predomínio de idade entre 17 a 19 anos (92,8%); ensino médio completo/incompleto (50,0%); sexo masculino (73,8%) e raça branca (69,0%). Quanto à exposição ao HIV, 75,0% eram homens com relações homoafetivas declaradas. A incidência, por quadriênios, foi a seguinte: 14 casos, 26 casos e 41 casos, e em 2019, 3 casos. O coeficiente de mortalidade foi de 0,35/100.000 habitantes. Dos diagnósticos, 67,9% foram confirmados por teste rápido e 39,3% por exames laboratoriais. No momento do diagnóstico, 42,9%apresentavam AIDS. Os sinais clínicos de maior prevalência foram caquexia (10,7%), astenia (8,3%) e tosse persistente (7,1%). As infecções oportunistas mais presentes foram candidíase oral (6,7%), linfadenopatia (4,4%) e alterações no sistema nervoso central (4,4%). Conclusão: Evidencia-se a vulnerabilidade dos adolescentes e necessidade de intensificar políticas públicas para prevenção e diagnóstico precoce nessa faixa etária.

Objective: To characterize the epidemiological profile of HIV/AIDS cases in adolescents. Method:A cross-sectional study, conducted from 2007 to 2019 with adolescents living in a municipality from southern Brazil, resorting to secondary data from the National System of Information about Notifiable Diseases. The demographic variables, that is, transmission characteristics, opportunistic infections and case evolution, were verified through descriptive analysis and frequency measures. Results: A total of 84 cases were reported, with predominance of the age group between 17 and 19 years old (92.8%), complete/incomplete high school (50.0%), male gender (73.8%), and white race (69.0%). Regarding HIV exposure, 75.0% were men with declared homoaffective relationships. Incidence by quadrennium periods was as follows: 14 cases, 26 cases and 41 cases, with 3 cases in 2019. The mortality rate was 0.35/100,000 inhabitants. Of the diagnoses, 67.9% were confirmed by rapid test and 39.3% by laboratory tests. 42.9% had AIDS at diagnosis. The most prevalent clinical signs were cachexia (10.7%), asthenia (8.3%) and persistent cough (7.1%). The most frequent opportunistic infections were oral candidiasis (6.7%), lymphadenopathy (4.4%) and changes in the central nervous system (4.4%). Conclusion: The adolescents' vulnerability and the need to intensify public policies for prevention and early diagnosis in this age group areevidenced

Tempo para o diagnóstico da hanseníase e sua relação com fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos / Tiempo para el diagnóstico de lepra y su relación con los factores sociodemográficos y clínicos / Time for leprosy diagnosis and its relation to sociodemographic and clinical factors

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar os fatores associados ao tempo decorrido entre a identificação dos sinais e sintomas relacionados à hanseníase até o diagnóstico dos casos atendidos na atenção primária à saúde. Método: estudo transversal e analítico, realizado na atenção primária à saúde em um município de grande porte localizado no sul do Brasil, com amostra de 245 indivíduos. O período analisado foi de 2009 a 2016, por meio das fichas de notificação e consulta ao prontuário. Para análise do tempo para o diagnóstico de hanseníase (categorizado em 0 a 5 anos ou 6 anos ou mais), conduziram-se análises de frequência relativa simples, bivariada e regressão logística binária aferida pelo OddsRatio (OR) e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Nível de significância estatística estabelecido de 5% para todas as análises. Resultados: o tempo para o diagnóstico variou de 1 mês a 20 anos, sendo necessários, em média, 7,9 consultas e 4,6 anos para obtê-lo. Ter três ou mais hipóteses aumentou a chance de diagnóstico tardio, comparado ao oportuno (OR ajustado=4,82; IC95%: 2,13-10,89; P<0,001). Conclusão: o tempo decorrido para o diagnóstico teve impacto nas características da hanseníase, sendo que quanto maior o número de hipóteses apresentadas, maior o tempo decorrido para o diagnóstico e, consequentemente, maiores as chances de apresentar GIF instalado.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar los factores asociados tras el tiempo entre la identificación de las señales y los síntomas relacionados a la lepra hasta el diagnóstico de los casos atendidos en la atención primaria a la salud. Método: estudio transversal y analítico, realizado en la atención primaria a la salud en un municipio de gran tamaño ubicado en el sur de Brasil, con muestra de 245 individuos. El período analizado fue de 2009 a 2016, por medio de las fichas de notificación y consulta al registro médico. Para análisis del tiempo para el diagnóstico de lepra (categorizado en 0 a 5 años o 6 años o más), se condujeron los análisis de frecuencia relativo simple, bivariante y regresión logística binaria probada por elOdds Ratio (OR) e intervalo de confianza de 95%. Nivel de significación estadística establecido de 5% para todos los análisis. Resultados: el tiempo para el diagnóstico varió de 1 mes a 20 años, siendo necesarios, en promedio, 7,9 consultas y 4,6 años para obtenerlo. Tener tres o más hipótesis aumentó la probabilidad de diagnóstico tardío, comparado al oportuno (OR ajustado=4,82; IC95%: 2,13-10,89; P<0,001). Conclusión: el tiempo transcurrido para el diagnóstico tuvo impacto en las características de la lepra, siendo que cuanto mayor el número de hipótesis presentadas, mayor el tiempo transcurrido para el diagnóstico y, consecuentemente, mayores las probabilidades de presentar grado de discapacidad física instalado.

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the factors associated with the time that elapsed between the identification of signs and symptoms related to leprosy and the diagnosis of cases seen in primary health care. Method: this is a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in primary health care in a large city located in southern Brazil, with a sample of 245 individuals. The period analyzed was from 2009 to 2016, through notification forms and consultation of medical records. For analysis of the time for the diagnosis of leprosy (categorized as 0 to 5 years or 6 years or more), we performed analyzes of simple relative bivariate frequency and binary logistic regression measured by Odds Ratio (OR) and a confidence interval of 95 %. The statistical significance level was set at 5% for all analyzes. Results: the time for diagnosis varied from 1 month to 20 years, requiring, on average, 7.9 consultations and 4.6 years to obtain it. Having three or more hypotheses increased the chance of late diagnosis, compared to the opportune one (adjusted OR = 4.82; 95% CI: 2.13-10.89; P <0.001). Conclusion: the time elapsed for the diagnosis had an impact on the characteristics of leprosy, and the greater the number of hypotheses, the longer the time elapsed for the diagnosis and, consequently, the greater the chances of presenting DPD installed.