Evaluation of completeness, consistency and non-duplication of leprosy notification data on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil: a descriptive study, 2001-2019.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the completeness, consistency and non-duplication of leprosy notification data in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, 2001-2019. METHODS: this was a descriptive study, conducted with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System, which checked for "duplication" (acceptable: < 5%), "completeness" (excellent = incompleteness ≤ 5%) and "consistency" (excellent: ≥ 90.0%), based on the proportion of complete and consistent fields. RESULTS: the sample consisted of 2,410 notifications. Duplication was acceptable (0.3%). The completeness of the "bacilloscopy", "affected nerves", "examined contacts" and "reactive episode" fields was very poor (more than 50% incomplete). Consistency between the "operational classification" and "initial treatment regimen" fields was excellent (99.6%), while consistency between "operational classification" and "clinical form" was low (50.7%). CONCLUSION: although duplication was acceptable, poor completeness of diagnosis and follow-up fields hinders epidemiological analysis, recognition of the status of the disease and adoption of measures to control it.

Socio-demographic and clinical factors of leprosy cases associated with the performance of the evaluation of their contacts in Ceará, Brazil, 2008-2019. / Fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos de casos de hanseníase associados ao desempenho da avaliação de seus contatos no Ceará, 2008-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of new leprosy cases as determinants in the performance of the evaluation of their contacts. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with a temporal approach to the evaluation indicator of 100% of contacts examined of each new case (NC) registered in the state of Ceará, Brazil, on the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), in 2008-2019. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The temporal trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression. RESULTS: 23,675 NCs, 65.4% with contacts examined were analyzed. It was less likely to evaluate 100% of the registered contacts when the new cases were multibacillary (OR=1.19 - 95%CI 1.11;1.28) and with examination of contacts as an entry mode (OR=1.71 - 95%CI 1.35;2.18). There was an increasing temporal trend of the indicator (Annual Percentage Change: 2.1 - 95%CI 1.2;3.0). CONCLUSION: Distinct dimensions of individual and social vulnerability among new leprosy cases influenced the persistent unsatisfactory performance of the evaluation of contacts.

[Persistence of leprosy in household social networks: overlapping cases and vulnerability in endemic regions in Brazil]. / Persistência da hanseníase em redes de convívio domiciliar: sobreposição de casos e vulnerabilidade em regiões endêmicas no Brasil.

The study sought to analyze the magnitude of occurrence and the sociodemographic, economic and clinical profiles of leprosy associated with household social networks (HSN), with disease overlap in cities from the states of Bahia, Piauí and Rondônia, Brazil, from 2001 to 2014. This is a cross-sectional study using primary and secondary data regarding new cases of leprosy notified to the Brazilian Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN, in Portuguese) residing in the cities. We applied a standardized instrument to the new cases and reviewed data from charts and from SINAN. Of a total of 1,032 (29.6%) assessed cases, 538 (52.1%) had more than one case in their HSN. There were larger frequencies of female sex (292; 54.3%), age between 41 and 60 years (240; 44.6%), primary education (272; 50.6%), income lower than the minimum wage (265; 49.3%) and living with 5 or more people (265; 49.3%). The overlap of cases in the HSN was associated in the multivariate analysis with residing in cities in the state of Rondônia (PR = 1.23; 95%CI: 1.07-1.43; p = 0.003), as well as living with 3 to 4 people in the same household (PR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.11-2.49; p = 0.014) and having leprosy reaction (PR = 1.31; 95%CI: 0.99-1.70; p = 0.050). Case repetition within the same HSN is a frequent event in the situations we studied. Its occurrence must be considered as a sentinel indicator of greater epidemiological severity in primary health care surveillance. We highlight the vulnerability of affected families.

O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a magnitude da ocorrência e os perfis sociodemográfico, econômico e clínico de casos de hanseníase vinculados à redes de convívio domiciliar (RCD) com sobreposição da doença em municípios dos estados da Bahia, do Piauí e de Rondônia, Brasil, no período de 2001 a 2014. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados primários e secundários de casos novos de hanseníase, notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e residentes nos municípios. Foram realizadas a aplicação de instrumento padronizado aos casos novos e a revisão de dados em prontuários e na base do SINAN. De um total de 1.032 (29,6%) casos de hanseníase abordados, 538 (52,1%) tinham mais de um caso em sua RCD. Maior frequência de pessoas do sexo feminino (292; 54,3%), com idade entre 41 a 60 anos (240; 44,6%), ensino fundamental (272; 50,6%), renda menor que um salário mínimo (265; 49,3%) e residindo com cinco pessoas ou mais (265; 49,3%). A ocorrência de sobreposição de casos na RCD foi associada, na análise multivariada, a residir em municípios do Estado de Rondônia (RP = 1,23; IC95%: 1,07-1,43; p = 0,003), assim como morar com três a quatro pessoas no mesmo domicílio (RP = 1,66; IC95%: 1,11-2,49; p = 0,014) e ter reação hansênica (RP = 1,31; IC95%: 0,99-1,70; p = 0,050). A repetição de casos de hanseníase em uma mesma RCD representa um evento frequente nos cenários abordados. Sua ocorrência deve ser considerada como indicador sentinela de maior gravidade epidemiológica para a vigilância na rede de atenção básica à saúde. Ressalta-se o caráter de vulnerabilidade das famílias acometidas.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la magnitud de la ocurrencia y los perfiles sociodemográficos, económicos y clínicos de casos de lepra, vinculados a las redes de convivencia domiciliaria (RCD), con sobreposición de la enfermedad, en municipios de los estados de Bahía, Piauí y Rondônia, Brasil, durante el período de 2001 a 2014. Se trata de un estudio transversal, con datos primarios y secundarios de casos nuevos de lepra, notificados en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Obligada Notificación (SINAN, por su sigla en portugués) y residentes en los municipios. Se procedió a la aplicación de un instrumento estandarizado a los casos nuevos y a la revisión de datos en prontuarios y base de datos del SINAN. De un total de 1.032 (29,6%) casos de lepra abordados, 538 (52,1%) tenían más de un caso en su RCD. Existía una mayor frecuencia de personas del sexo femenino (292; 54,3%), con edades comprendidas entre 41 y 60 años (240; 44,6%), enseñanza fundamental (272; 50,6%), renta menor a un salario mínimo (265; 49,3%) y residiendo con 5 personas o más (265; 49,3%). La ocurrencia de sobreposición de casos en la RCD se asoció en el análisis multivariado a residir en municipios del estado de Rondônia (RP = 1,23; IC95%: 1,07-1,43; p = 0,003), así como vivir con de 3 a 4 personas en el mismo domicilio (RP = 1,66; IC95%: 1,11-2,49; p = 0,014) y sufrir reacción leprótica (RP = 1,31; IC95%: 0,99-1,70; p = 0,050). La repetición de casos de lepra en una misma RCD representa un evento frecuente en los escenarios abordados. Su ocurrencia debe ser considerada como un indicador centinela de mayor gravedad epidemiológica para la vigilancia en la red de atención básica en la salud. Se resalta el carácter de vulnerabilidad de las familias participantes.

Persistência da hanseníase em redes de convívio domiciliar: sobreposição de casos e vulnerabilidade em regiões endêmicas no Brasil / Persistence of leprosy in household social networks: overlapping cases and vulnerability in endemic regions in Brazil / Persistencia de la hanseniasis en redes de convivencia domiciliaria: sobreposición de casos y vulnerabilidad en regiones endémicas en Brasil

O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a magnitude da ocorrência e os perfis sociodemográfico, econômico e clínico de casos de hanseníase vinculados à redes de convívio domiciliar (RCD) com sobreposição da doença em municípios dos estados da Bahia, do Piauí e de Rondônia, Brasil, no período de 2001 a 2014. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados primários e secundários de casos novos de hanseníase, notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e residentes nos municípios. Foram realizadas a aplicação de instrumento padronizado aos casos novos e a revisão de dados em prontuários e na base do SINAN. De um total de 1.032 (29,6%) casos de hanseníase abordados, 538 (52,1%) tinham mais de um caso em sua RCD. Maior frequência de pessoas do sexo feminino (292; 54,3%), com idade entre 41 a 60 anos (240; 44,6%), ensino fundamental (272; 50,6%), renda menor que um salário mínimo (265; 49,3%) e residindo com cinco pessoas ou mais (265; 49,3%). A ocorrência de sobreposição de casos na RCD foi associada, na análise multivariada, a residir em municípios do Estado de Rondônia (RP = 1,23; IC95%: 1,07-1,43; p = 0,003), assim como morar com três a quatro pessoas no mesmo domicílio (RP = 1,66; IC95%: 1,11-2,49; p = 0,014) e ter reação hansênica (RP = 1,31; IC95%: 0,99-1,70; p = 0,050). A repetição de casos de hanseníase em uma mesma RCD representa um evento frequente nos cenários abordados. Sua ocorrência deve ser considerada como indicador sentinela de maior gravidade epidemiológica para a vigilância na rede de atenção básica à saúde. Ressalta-se o caráter de vulnerabilidade das famílias acometidas.

The study sought to analyze the magnitude of occurrence and the sociodemographic, economic and clinical profiles of leprosy associated with household social networks (HSN), with disease overlap in cities from the states of Bahia, Piauí and Rondônia, Brazil, from 2001 to 2014. This is a cross-sectional study using primary and secondary data regarding new cases of leprosy notified to the Brazilian Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN, in Portuguese) residing in the cities. We applied a standardized instrument to the new cases and reviewed data from charts and from SINAN. Of a total of 1,032 (29.6%) assessed cases, 538 (52.1%) had more than one case in their HSN. There were larger frequencies of female sex (292; 54.3%), age between 41 and 60 years (240; 44.6%), primary education (272; 50.6%), income lower than the minimum wage (265; 49.3%) and living with 5 or more people (265; 49.3%). The overlap of cases in the HSN was associated in the multivariate analysis with residing in cities in the state of Rondônia (PR = 1.23; 95%CI: 1.07-1.43; p = 0.003), as well as living with 3 to 4 people in the same household (PR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.11-2.49; p = 0.014) and having leprosy reaction (PR = 1.31; 95%CI: 0.99-1.70; p = 0.050). Case repetition within the same HSN is a frequent event in the situations we studied. Its occurrence must be considered as a sentinel indicator of greater epidemiological severity in primary health care surveillance. We highlight the vulnerability of affected families.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la magnitud de la ocurrencia y los perfiles sociodemográficos, económicos y clínicos de casos de lepra, vinculados a las redes de convivencia domiciliaria (RCD), con sobreposición de la enfermedad, en municipios de los estados de Bahía, Piauí y Rondônia, Brasil, durante el período de 2001 a 2014. Se trata de un estudio transversal, con datos primarios y secundarios de casos nuevos de lepra, notificados en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Obligada Notificación (SINAN, por su sigla en portugués) y residentes en los municipios. Se procedió a la aplicación de un instrumento estandarizado a los casos nuevos y a la revisión de datos en prontuarios y base de datos del SINAN. De un total de 1.032 (29,6%) casos de lepra abordados, 538 (52,1%) tenían más de un caso en su RCD. Existía una mayor frecuencia de personas del sexo femenino (292; 54,3%), con edades comprendidas entre 41 y 60 años (240; 44,6%), enseñanza fundamental (272; 50,6%), renta menor a un salario mínimo (265; 49,3%) y residiendo con 5 personas o más (265; 49,3%). La ocurrencia de sobreposición de casos en la RCD se asoció en el análisis multivariado a residir en municipios del estado de Rondônia (RP = 1,23; IC95%: 1,07-1,43; p = 0,003), así como vivir con de 3 a 4 personas en el mismo domicilio (RP = 1,66; IC95%: 1,11-2,49; p = 0,014) y sufrir reacción leprótica (RP = 1,31; IC95%: 0,99-1,70; p = 0,050). La repetición de casos de lepra en una misma RCD representa un evento frecuente en los escenarios abordados. Su ocurrencia debe ser considerada como un indicador centinela de mayor gravedad epidemiológica para la vigilancia en la red de atención básica en la salud. Se resalta el carácter de vulnerabilidad de las familias participantes.

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.

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.

Estudo espacial da hanseníase na Bahia, 2001-2012: abordagem a partir do modelo bayesiano empírico local / Estudio espacial de la lepra en Bahia, Brasil, 2001-2012: enfoque a partir del modelo bayesiano empírico local / Spatial study of leprosy in Bahia, Brazil, 2001-2012: an approach based on the local empirical Bayesian model

Objetivo: comparar a evolução temporal e a distribuição espacial dos indicadores epidemiológicos de hanseníase brutos e corrigidos pelo modelo bayesiano empírico, Bahia, Brasil, 2001-2012. Métodos: estudo ecológico com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação; foram incluídos todos os 417 municípios baianos e analisados os indicadores/100 mil habitantes - taxa de detecção de casos novos na população geral, em <15 anos e de grau 2 de incapacidade física -; utilizou-se o modelo bayesiano empírico local para suavização dos indicadores, e o teste t de Student, para comparação das médias. Resultados: os indicadores estimados pelo modelo foram superiores aos observados; as taxas de detecção geral e em <15 anos estimadas foram superiores às observadas em 253 (60,7%) e 209 (50,1%) municípios, respectivamente; as áreas de maior risco concentraram-se no eixo Norte-Oeste e na região Sul do estado. Conclusão: distribuição espacial heterogênea da doença e existência de possível subnotificação de casos.

Objetivo: comparar la evolución temporal y la distribución espacial de los indicadores epidemiológicos de la lepra brutos y corregidos por el modelo bayesiano empírico, Bahia, 2001-2012. Métodos: estudio ecológico con datos del Sistema de Información de Agravamientos de Notificación; se incluyeron todos los 417 municipios baianos y se analizaron los indicadores/100 mil habitantes - tasa de detección de casos nuevos en la población general, en <15 años y de grado 2 de incapacidad física -; se utilizó el modelo bayesiano empírico local para suavizar los indicadores, y la prueba t de Student, para la comparación de los promedios. Resultados: los indicadores estimados por el modelo fueron superiores a los observados; las tasas de detección general y en <15 años estimadas fueron superiores a las observados en 253 (60,7%) y 209 (50,1%) municipios; las áreas de mayor riesgo se concentraron en el eje Norte-Oeste y en la región sur del estado. Conclusión: distribución espacial heterogénea de la enfermedad y existencia de posible subnotificación.

Objective: to compare the temporal evolution and spatial distribution of epidemiological indicators of leprosy, both crude and also corrected using the empirical Bayesian model, Bahia, Brazil, 2001-2012. Methods: this was an ecological study using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System; all 417 municipalities in Bahia were included and the following indicators per 100,000 inhabitants were analyzed - detection rate of new cases in the general population, in those <15 years old, and in those with grade 2 physical disability -; the local empirical Bayesian model was used to smoothen the indicators, and Student's t-test was used to compare means. Results: indicators estimated by the model were higher than crude indicators; estimated detection rates in the general population and in those <15 years old were higher than crude rates in 253 (60.7%) and 209 (50.1%) municipalities, respectively; areas of greatest risk were concentrated in the northwestern and southern regions of the state. Conclusion: spatial distribution of the disease was heterogeneous and there was possible underreporting of cases.

Social deprivation index and leprosy in Pará State, Brazil, in 2013: spatial analysis. / Índice de carência social e hanseníase no estado do Pará em 2013: análise espacial.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the ecological association between the condition of social deprivation and leprosy detection rate in Pará State, Brazil. METHODS: cross-sectional ecological study with data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan); global and local bivariate Moran's factor analysis and autocorrelation were used to identify spatial patterns associated with the distribution of the social deprivation index (SDI) and leprosy detection rate (LDR). RESULTS: in 2013, 3,358 new cases of leprosy were reported in Pará, with LDR of 41.98 cases/100,000 inhabitants; higher rates were observed in the municipalities of the Araguaia region; 17.5% of the 143 municipalities of the state were considered hyperendemic (LDR>40.00) and 30.8% presented poor SDI; there was spatial autocorrelation between LDR and SDI (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: there was spatial association between SDI and LDR, with higher leprosy detection in the municipalities with higher social deprivation.

Assessment of the implementation of the Leprosy Control Program in Camaragibe, Pernambuco State, Brazil. / Avaliação da implantação do Programa de Controle da Hanseníase em Camaragibe, Pernambuco.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the implementation of the actions of the Leprosy Control Program in Camaragibe, Pernambuco State, Brazil. METHODS: evaluative research with 'implementation analysis', based on criteria, indicators and parameters guided from the construction of the Logic Model; four components were assessed - management, health care, epidemiological surveillance, health education and communication -; direct observation/questionnaire was used, as well as data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases. RESULTS: the implementation of the program was incipient (58.3%); the estimate for the components varied from 'not implemented' (health education and communication, 48.0%), 'incipient' (management, 53.3%; health care, 57.2%) to 'partially implemented' (epidemiological surveillance, 73.0%); in 2012, it was observed low proportion of examined contacts (28.4%), treatment dropout (34.1%), limited standardization of patient care flow, and poor resolution of problems by managers. CONCLUSION: the level of implementation found was related to the organization of services, with negative repercussions regarding the result indicators.

[Description of duplicate records held on the Notifiable Diseases Information System, Brazil, 2008-2009]. / Descrição dos registros repetidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, Brasil, 2008-2009.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the proportion of duplicate records held on the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System, 2008-2009. METHODS: identification of duplicate records of dengue, leprosy, visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis, meningitis and tuberculosis was conducted using Reclink III(r); the proportion of duplicate records was calculated by geographical region, state and municipal population size categories. RESULTS: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and meningitis had higher proportions of duplicate notification (5.3% and 3.6%, respectively) whilst leprosy had the lowest (0.7%); the states with highest repetitions were Rio Grande do Norte (VL 6.8% and leprosy 5.1%), Rio de Janeiro (tuberculosis 2.5% and meningitis 4.9%) and Goiás (dengue 2.0% and meningitis 7.2%). CONCLUSION: the Northeast region had the highest proportion of duplicate records for four of the six diseases analyzed; with the exception of dengue, percentage repetition was lower in municipalities with larger population size.

[Deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause recorded in Brazil: use of data base linkage to enhance information]. / Óbitos registrados com causa básica hanseníase no Brasil: uso do relacionamento de bases de dados para melhoria da informação.

This study sought to describe the characteristics of deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause recorded in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and compare these characteristics with the groups of cases where the cause of death was reported, or failed to be reported, in the National Case Registration Database (Sinan). Deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause occurring in Brazil in the 2004-2009 period, and cases of leprosy from 1975 to 2010 were included. The probabilistic bases of SIM and Sinan were compared. Of the 1,463 deaths from leprosy recorded in SIM, 44.2% were not recorded in Sinan. Of the total number of deaths, the majority were men (72.5%), aged 60 or older (56.6%), occurring in hospitals (65.3%) and with due care (45.8%). Of the 820 deaths identified in Sinan, 92% were patients with multibacillary disease, 45.2% were discharged as cured by Sinan and 38.9% died. Deaths due to leprosy were found on SIM that were not notified to Sinan. The data base linkage enabled identification of ancillary records and inconsistencies between the systems.

Óbitos registrados com causa básica hanseníase no Brasil: uso do relacionamento de bases de dados para melhoria da informação / Deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause recorded in Brazil: use of data base linkage to enhance information

O presente estudo objetivou descrever as características dos óbitos que tiveram como causa básica a hanseníase, registrados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM), e comparar estas características entre os grupos de óbitos cujos casos foram notificados e não notificados no Sistema de Informação sobre Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Foram incluídos os óbitos com causa básica hanseníase, ocorridos no Brasil no período 2004-2009, e os casos registrados de hanseníase entre 1975-2010. Realizou-se o relacionamento probabilístico das bases do SIM e Sinan. Dos 1.463 óbitos por hanseníase registrados no SIM, 44,2% não foram encontrados no Sinan. Do total dos óbitos, a maioria foi de homens (72,5%), com 60 ou mais anos de idade (56,6%), ocorridos em hospitais (65,3%) e com assistência (45,8%). Dos 820 óbitos identificados no Sinan, 92% foram multibacilares, 45,2% tinham alta por cura no Sinan e 38,9%, óbito. Foram encontrados óbitos por hanseníase que estão registrados no SIM, mas não foram notificados no Sinan. O relacionamento das bases permitiu identificação de subregistros e inconsistências entre os sistemas.

This study sought to describe the characteristics of deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause recorded in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and compare these characteristics with the groups of cases where the cause of death was reported, or failed to be reported, in the National Case Registration Database (Sinan). Deaths with leprosy as the underlying cause occurring in Brazil in the 2004-2009 period, and cases of leprosy from 1975 to 2010 were included. The probabilistic bases of SIM and Sinan were compared. Of the 1,463 deaths from leprosy recorded in SIM, 44.2% were not recorded in Sinan. Of the total number of deaths, the majority were men (72.5%), aged 60 or older (56.6%), occurring in hospitals (65.3%) and with due care (45.8%). Of the 820 deaths identified in Sinan, 92% were patients with multibacillary disease, 45.2% were discharged as cured by Sinan and 38.9% died. Deaths due to leprosy were found on SIM that were not notified to Sinan. The data base linkage enabled identification of ancillary records and inconsistencies between the systems.

Investigação epidemiológica dos óbitos notificados tendo como causa básica a hanseníase, ocorridos em Fortaleza, Ceará, 2006-2011 / Epidemiological investigation of reported deaths having as the primary cause of leprosy occured in Fortaleza, Ceará, 2006-2011

Objetivo: descrever as características e os resultados da investigação dos óbitos registrados tendo como causa básica a hanseníase, ocorridos em hospitais selecionados do município de Fortaleza-CE, Brasil. Métodos: estudo descritivo, do tipo de série de casos, em que foram investigados óbitos registrados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) no período 2006-2011; a investigação foi conduzida por equipe multidisciplinar treinada, utilizando instrumento padronizado, e consulta a prontuários hospitalares e ambulatoriais. Resultados: dos 19 óbitos investigados, confirmou-se que 11 ocorreram por complicações da hanseníase, e destes, a maioria foi de homens (n=9) e indivíduos de cor da pele ou raça preta/parda (n=10); entre os óbitos confirmados por hanseníase, o motivo da internação mais frequente foi reação hansênica (n=7). Conclusão: a investigação confirmou a ocorrência de óbitos causados por complicações da hanseníase, assim como a existência de óbitos por outras causas embora registrados como sendo por hanseníase.

Objective: to describe the characteristics of deaths occurring in selected hospitals in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, having leprosy recorded as the underlying cause. Methods: this is a descriptive case series study of deaths recorded on the Mortality Information System (SIM) between 2006-2011. The study was conducted by a trained multidisciplinary team using a standardized instrument to examine inpatient and outpatient medical records. Results: 11 of the 19 deaths investigated were confirmed to have occurred owing to leprosy complications. The majority of these were males (n=9) and people with black / brown skin color or race (n=10). The most frequent reason for their hospitalization was leprosy reaction (n=8). Conclusion: the study confirmed the number of deaths caused by leprosy complications, as well as the existence of deaths from other causes recorded as being due to leprosy.

[Leprosy diagnosis in municipalities other than the patients' place of residence: spatial analysis, 2001-2009]. / Diagnóstico da hanseníase fora do município de residência: uma abordagem espacial, 2001 a 2009.

The study analyzed the flow of persons with leprosy from their municipality (county) of residence to that of their diagnosis in a highly endemic area in Brazil. The study was based on data from the National Information System for Notifiable Diseases from 2001 to 2009 in the States of Maranhão, Pará, Tocantins, and Piauí. Of the 373 municipalities, 349 (93.6%) had at least one resident with leprosy that had been diagnosed in a different municipality (4,325 cases, or 5.2% of the total). The municipalities with the most cases reported elsewhere were Timon (248) and São José de Ribamar (201), Maranhão State. The municipalities that received the most exogenous cases for diagnosis were São Luís (719), capital of Maranhão, and Teresina (516), capital of Piauí. Goiânia (146), capital of Goiás, and the Federal District (42) also reported numerous cases, even though they are located more than 1,000 km from the endemic area. The flow indicates gaps in the decentralization of comprehensive care for persons with leprosy and calls attention to the difficulties associated with patient monitoring during and after multidrug therapy.

Diagnóstico da hanseníase fora do município de residência: uma abordagem espacial, 2001 a 2009 / Leprosy diagnosis in municipalities other than the patients' place of residence: spatial analysis, 2001-2009

Caracterizar o fluxo de pessoas afetadas pela hanseníase, do município de residência para o de diagnóstico, em área de alta endemicidade no Brasil. Estudo baseado em dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos e Notificação de 2001-2009, nos estados do Maranhão, Pará, Tocantins e Piauí. Dos 373 municípios, 349 (93,6%) tiveram pelo menos um residente afetado pela hanseníase notificado em outro município (4.325 casos, 5,2% dos notificados). Os municípios com maior número de casos notificados fora de sua residência foram Timon (248) e São José de Ribamar (201), no Maranhão. Os municípios que mais receberam casos para diagnóstico foram São Luís (719) e Teresina (516). Destacam-se Goiânia (146) e o Distrito Federal (42) como polos de notificações de casos residentes no agregado, mesmo a mais de 1.000km de distância da área. O fluxo observado indica lacunas na descentralização do processo de atenção integral à pessoa afetada pela hanseníase e chama atenção para as dificuldades e desafios associados com o acompanhamento durante e após a poliquimioterapia.

The study analyzed the flow of persons with leprosy from their municipality (county) of residence to that of their diagnosis in a highly endemic area in Brazil. The study was based on data from the National Information System for Notifiable Diseases from 2001 to 2009 in the States of Maranhão, Pará, Tocantins, and Piauí. Of the 373 municipalities, 349 (93.6%) had at least one resident with leprosy that had been diagnosed in a different municipality (4,325 cases, or 5.2% of the total). The municipalities with the most cases reported elsewhere were Timon (248) and São José de Ribamar (201), Maranhão State. The municipalities that received the most exogenous cases for diagnosis were São Luís (719), capital of Maranhão, and Teresina (516), capital of Piauí. Goiânia (146), capital of Goiás, and the Federal District (42) also reported numerous cases, even though they are located more than 1,000km from the endemic area. The flow indicates gaps in the decentralization of comprehensive care for persons with leprosy and calls attention to the difficulties associated with patient monitoring during and after multidrug therapy.

Sistema de monitoramento para o acompanhamento da hanseníase: uma tentativa de integração entre a estratégia de saúde da família (ESF), vigilância epidemiológica e o núcleo de apoio a saúde da família (NASF) / Monitoring system for the monitoring of leprosy: an attempted integration of the family health strategy (FHS), and the center for epidemiological surveillance support for family health (NASF)

A hanseníase é um grande problema para saúde pública no Brasil, pois o país é o único da América Latina que não atingiu a meta internacional de redução do coeficiente de prevalência para menos de um caso em cada dez mil habitantes. Apesar da criação de programas governamentais que previam a eliminação da doença, esse tipo de afecção atinge grande numero da população brasileira. A preocupação torna-se ainda maior quando os casos são evidenciados em menores de 15 anos, pois em cada 50 registros diagnosticados da doença, 10 são crianças com idade entre 3 a 14 anos. Diante de tal problema, vem se discutindo sobre medidas de contenção da doença no sistema de saúde que ainda se encontra sem instrumentalização especifica, tanto de ordem estrutural, quanto de ordem prática para controle da Hanseníase com eficácia, principalmente entre os menores de 15 anos. Neste sentido o presente projeto pretende implantar uma estratégia multidisciplinar visando aprimorar o diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção da doença. O estudo da prevalência da doença entre os menores de 15 anos no Cabo se Santo Agostinho em Pernambuco, pode-se visualizar vários casos que necessitam de maior atenção das equipes multidisciplinares de saúde, que ainda não possuem um sistema de informação adequado capaz de identificar os casos e trata-los de maneira adequada. Pretende-se contribuir no acompanhamento da Hanseníase no município do Cabo de Santo Agostinho, otimizando o sistema de informação atual, visando atingir as metas de prevenção.

The MycoBrowser portal: a comprehensive and manually annotated resource for mycobacterial genomes.

In this paper, we present the MycoBrowser portal (http://mycobrowser.epfl.ch/), a resource that provides both in silico generated and manually reviewed information within databases dedicated to the complete genomes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium smegmatis. A central component of MycoBrowser is TubercuList (http://tuberculist.epfl.ch), which has recently benefited from a new data management system and web interface. These improvements were extended to all MycoBrowser databases. We provide an overview of the functionalities available and the different ways of interrogating the data then discuss how both the new information and the latest features are helping the mycobacterial research communities.

[Retrospective study on leprosy relapse in the State of Espírito Santo]. / Estudo retrospectivo de recidiva da hanseníase no Estado do Espírito Santo.

Leprosy relapse is the reappearance of the disease after regular treatment with current regimens and discharge due to cure. In this retrospective and descriptive cohort study, the aim was to evaluate the characteristics of cases of leprosy relapse in the State of Espírito Santo between 2000 and 2005. The investigation strategies consisted of monitoring the SINAN entries, with file analysis and case discussions at the State Reference Center. One hundred and four cases of relapse were studied, representing 1.12% of the new cases detected over this period. The greatest frequency was between 21 and 60 years of age; 59.6% were men; 44.2% presented relapse more than five years after discharge; 66.4% were multibacillary; and 42.2% presented positive bacilloscopy (complete bacilli) and therefore were relapse cases. Negatives bacilloscopy was observed in 57.8%. Prospective studies should be conducted to establish the real relapse rate.

Estudo retrospectivo de recidiva da hanseníase no Estado do Espírito Santo / Retrospective study on leprosy relapse in the State of Espírito Santo

Recidiva de hanseníase é o reaparecimento da doença, após tratamento regular com os esquemas vigentes e alta por cura. Neste estudo de coorte retrospectivo e descritivo o objetivo foi avaliar as características dos casos de recidiva de hanseníase no Estado do Espírito Santo entre 2000 e 2005. As estratégias de investigação foram: monitoramento das entradas no SINAN, análise das fichas e discussão dos casos no Centro de Referência Estadual. Foram estudados 104 casos de recidiva, representando 1,12 por cento em relação aos casos novos diagnosticados no período. A maior freqüência foi entre 21 a 60 anos; 59,6 por cento eram do sexo masculino; 44,2 por cento apresentaram a recidiva após cinco anos da alta; 66,4 por cento eram multibacilares, sendo 42,2 por cento com baciloscopias positivas (bacilos íntegros), portanto recidivas. Baciloscopias negativas foram observadas em 57,8 por cento. Estudos prospectivos devem ser feitos para estabelecimento da taxa real de recidiva.

Leprosy relapse is the reappearance of the disease after regular treatment with current regimens and discharge due to cure. In this retrospective and descriptive cohort study, the aim was to evaluate the characteristics of cases of leprosy relapse in the State of Espírito Santo between 2000 and 2005. The investigation strategies consisted of monitoring the SINAN entries, with file analysis and case discussions at the State Reference Center. One hundred and four cases of relapse were studied, representing 1.12 percent of the new cases detected over this period. The greatest frequency was between 21 and 60 years of age; 59.6 percent were men; 44.2 percent presented relapse more than five years after discharge; 66.4 percent were multibacillary; and 42.2 percent presented positive bacilloscopy (complete bacilli) and therefore were relapse cases. Negatives bacilloscopy was observed in 57.8 percent. Prospective studies should be conducted to establish the real relapse rate.

An evaluation of the Sinan health information system as used by the Hansen's disease control programme, Pernambuco State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of the national notifiable diseases information system (SINAN) in Pernambuco State, Brazil, in 1994, many problems have been encountered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SINAN software, quality of data input, the transfer of the computerised data from the municipality to state levels, human resources and other factors associated with the health information system infrastructure (HIS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Pernambuco state, North-eastern Brazil, in 2005. A sample of health regions and municipalities was chosen. SINAN forms from those municipalities were analysed and the flow of notifications followed from municipal level to the regional and finally to the state. Professionals from health units, district, municipal and regional Hansen's Disease Control Programme (HDCP) and Epidemiological Surveillance System (ESS) coordinators, health secretaries and managers of the municipalities and health regions selected were interviewed. RESULTS: SINAN software is functioning up to expectation. However, at all levels of the health system, serious weaknesses not related to the SINAN software were found, varying from lack of human resources (limited number of staff and staff development), lack of infrastructure (office space, computers, supplies, etc.) to an absence of effective coordination, management and supervision of the HIS. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of reliable, complete and timely information, and especially the lack of widespread analysis and use of available information in planning and management of health services were the main weaknesses found. Many areas need urgent attention: the quality of patient examination, recording and reporting, the timely processing of quality data, the coordination and management of disease control programmes, and the use of HIS reports by the health services and health managers. Regular feedback, supportive supervision visits and annual reviews are essential to monitor the system and make sure that essential information is decentralised and used by the primary health services and HDCP coordination. Assessing the quality of services from a client perspective would give additional information for the identification of strengths and weaknesses of the Hansen's disease (leprosy) services.