Culture circle with community health workers about (lack of) knowledge and stigma of leprosy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the construction aboutthe (lack of) knowledge and stigma of leprosy by Community Health Workers participating in the Culture Circle. METHOD: Qualitative, action-research type study supported by the Paulo Freire Culture Circle framework, carried out with 21 Community Health Workers. Data collected in November 2021, in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão. The following categories were evidenced: knowledge about leprosy, signs and symptoms, stigma. RESULTS: The participants had knowledge about the disease, but they verbalized people's disinformation about leprosy, disbelief in relation to the cure, and situations of prejudice and stigma that are still present today. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The culture circle enabled the intertwining of scientific and empirical knowledge in the construction of a critical and reflective knowledge committed to welcoming and comprehensive care for people and families affected by leprosy.

Cytokines and visceral leishmaniasis: a comparison of plasma cytokine profiles between the clinical forms of visceral leishmaniasis.

It is not well established whether cytokine production differs in response to different clinical forms of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In this work, we performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the plasma levels of cytokines [interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12] involved in the pathogenesis of VL in 80 subjects from VL endemic areas, including subjects with active VL, subjects with asymptomatic infection, subjects with cured VL and uninfected controls. The patients were recruited by sampling from a referral hospital and by random selection from a population-based cohort study. The results showed significant differences in the plasma concentration of all cytokines between the groups (p < 0.05). Patients with the active disease had higher plasma levels of IL-10, IL-4, INF-γ and TNF-α relative to the other groups and they produced more IL-12 than asymptomatic and cured subjects. Only the IL-2 concentration was higher in the asymptomatic and cured subjects relative to the patients with active disease (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that these cytokines can be used as markers in epidemiological studies conducted in endemic areas to distinguish between different clinical forms of VL. However, their usefulness should be confirmed in investigations conducted in other endemic areas.

Leishmania infection in humans, dogs and sandflies in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in Maranhão, Brazil.

Leishmania infection in humans, dogs and sandflies was examined in the endemic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) municipality of Raposa, state of Maranhão, Brazil. In this study, we examined Leishmania chagasi infection in the blood serum of both humans and Canis familiaris and the natural Leishmania sp. infection rate in the sandfly vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence reaction and polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect Leishmania infections in humans, dogs and sandflies, respectively. Overall, 186 out of 986 studied human beings were infected with L. chagasi parasites, representing an infection prevalence of 18.9%. An even higher infection rate was detected in dogs, where 66 (47.8%) out of 138 were infected. Among all Lu. longipalpis captured (n = 1,881), only 26.7% were females. The Leishmania infection frequency for the vector Lu. longipalpis was 1.56%. Remarkably, all infected sandflies were found in the peridomiciliary area. Furthermore, a high incidence of asymptomatic forms of VL in the human and canine populations was observed. The results of this study suggest autochthonous transmission of L. chagasi in this endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis because infection by Leishmania sp. was identified in all important elements of the transmission chain.

Culture circle with community health workers about (lack of) knowledge and stigma of leprosy / Círculo de cultura con agentes comunitarios de salud sobre (des)conocimiento y estigma de lepra / Círculo de cultura com agentes comunitários de saúde sobre (des)conhecimentos e estigma da hanseníase

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the construction aboutthe (lack of) knowledge and stigma of leprosy by Community Health Workers participating in the Culture Circle. Method: Qualitative, action-research type study supported by the Paulo Freire Culture Circle framework, carried out with 21 Community Health Workers. Data collected in November 2021, in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão. The following categories were evidenced: knowledge about leprosy, signs and symptoms, stigma. Results: The participants had knowledge about the disease, but they verbalized people's disinformation about leprosy, disbelief in relation to the cure, and situations of prejudice and stigma that are still present today. Final considerations: The culture circle enabled the intertwining of scientific and empirical knowledge in the construction of a critical and reflective knowledge committed to welcoming and comprehensive care for people and families affected by leprosy.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la construcción sobre (des)conocimiento y estigma de la lepra por parte de los Agentes Comunitarios de Salud participantes del Círculo de Cultura. Método: Estudio cualitativo, de tipo investigación-acción, apoyado en el marco del Círculo de Cultura Paulo Freire, realizado con 21 Agentes Comunitarios de Salud. Datos recolectados en noviembre de 2021, en el municipio de São Luís, Maranhão. Se evidenciaron las categorías conocimientos sobre la lepra; signos y síntomas; estigma. Resultados: Los participantes tenían conocimiento sobre la enfermedad, pero verbalizaban la desinformación de las personas sobre la lepra, la incredulidad con relación a la cura y situaciones de prejuicio y estigma que aún hoy están presentes. Consideraciones finales: El círculo de cultura posibilitó entrelazar saberes científicos y empíricos en la construcción de un saber crítico y reflexivo comprometido con la acogida y atención integral de las personas y familias afectadas por la lepra.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a construção sobre o (des)conhecimento e estigma da hanseníase pelos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde participantes do Círculo de Cultura. Método: Estudo qualitativo de tipo pesquisa-ação apoiado pelo referencial do Círculo de Cultura de Paulo Freire, realizado com 21 Agentes Comunitários de Saúde. Dados coletados em novembro de 2021, no município de São Luís, Maranhão. Foram evidenciadas as categorias conhecimento sobre a hanseníase; sinais e sintomas; estigma. Resultados: Os participantes possuíam conhecimento sobre a doença, mas verbalizaram a existência de desinformação das pessoas sobre a hanseníase, descrenças em relação à cura, além de situações de preconceito e estigma ainda presentes atualmente. Considerações finais: O círculo de cultura possibilitou o entrelace dos saberes científicos e empíricos na construção de um conhecimento crítico e reflexivo comprometido com o acolhimento e atenção integral às pessoas e famílias afetadas pela hanseníase.

Factors associated with tuberculosis retreatment in priority districts of Maranhão, Brazil. / Fatores associados ao retratamento da tuberculose nos municípios prioritários do Maranhão, Brasil.

This study investigated factors associated with cases of tuberculosis retreatment due to relapse and readmission after treatment abandonment. This is an analytical cross-sectional study type of cases reported in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases in priority municipalities in the State of Maranhão, from January 2005 to December 2010. A logistic regression model was used to identify the association. Patients aged between 40 and 59 years (OR = 1.49, p = 0.029) with a pulmonary clinical form (OR = 2.79, p = 0.016) were more likely to incur relapse. Readmissions after abandonment were more likely in males (OR = 1.53, p = 0.046), aged between 20 and 39 years (OR = 1.65, p = 0.007), with less than eight years of schooling (OR = 2.01, p = 0.037) and with alcohol dependence (OR=1.66, p = 0.037), which showed a higher probability of another abandonment (OR = 5.96, p < 0.001). These data reinforce the need for strategies aimed at this group, such as increased supervised treatment, intensified active search, post-discharge follow-up and health education action.

Este estudo investigou os fatores associados aos casos de retratamento de tuberculose por recidiva e por reingresso após abandono. Trata-se de um estudo transversal tipo analítico dos casos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação em municípios prioritários do Estado do Maranhão, de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2010. Para identificar as associações foi utilizado o modelo de regressão logística. Os pacientes com idade entre 40 e 59 anos (OR = 1,49; p = 0,029) e com a forma clínica pulmonar (OR = 2,79; p = 0,016) apresentaram maior chance para recidiva. Os reingressos após abandono tiveram maior chance nos indivíduos do sexo masculino (OR = 1,53; p = 0,046), com idade entre 20 e 39 anos (OR = 1,65; p = 0,007), com menos de oito anos de estudo (OR = 2,01; p = 0,037) e dependentes de álcool (OR = 1,66; p = 0,037), os quais apresentaram maior chance de novo abandono (OR = 5,96; p < 0,001). Esses dados reforçam a necessidade de estratégias direcionadas a esse grupo, como a ampliação do tratamento supervisionado, intensificação da busca ativa, acompanhamento pós-alta e ações de educação em saúde.

Knowledge and perceptions on toxoplasmosis among pregnant women and nurses who provide prenatal in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is an infection that affects almost a third of the world population. In adults, it is often asymptomatic, although having important manifestation in children- infected by placental transmission. The prenatal is an important moment, requiring actions in women's care during pregnancy, in order to prevent diseases that could compromise the mother and the child's life. METHODS: This is a descriptive study of qualitative approach aimed to understand the perception of nurses and pregnant women about toxoplasmosis during primary - prenatal care. The study was conducted in five selected primary health care units, in the municipality of São Luis - MA. The sample consisted of 15 nurses working in nursing consultation and 15 pregnant women attended in prenatal care. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide covering issues related to knowledge and conduct on toxoplasmosis were used. For analysis, the content analysis technique was used. RESULTS: The answers were transcribed, organized and grouped thematically, where the following categories emerged: knowledge about examination requests; knowledge about toxoplasmosis; guidance during prenatal consultation; knowledge of nurses about the avidity test; procedures and guidelines on reagent cases. Pregnant women showed unawareness about toxoplasmosis and its effects. Nurses, although having basic knowledge about the subject, showed little applicability regarding pregnant women's guidance. CONCLUSION: The nurse plays an important role in educational activities regarding pregnant women, contributing to the quality of prenatal care. Pregnant women were shown to have some knowledge about toxoplasmosis, although they said they did not have assurance about prevention.

Hanseníase em menores de 15 anos: caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica dos casos em um município hiperendêmico / Hansen`s disease in children under 15 years old: sociodemographic and clinical characterization of the cases in a hyperendemic municipality / La lepra en menores de 15 años: caracterización sociodemográfica y clínica de los casos en un municipio hiperendémico

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico dos casos notificados de hanseníase em menores de 15 anos, no município de São Luís - Maranhão - Brasil. Método: estudo descritivo realizado com 826 casos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, em São Luís - Maranhão, no período de 2010 a 2019. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e foram expressos em frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: faixa etária entre 10 e 14 anos (60,29%), masculino (51,09%), cor parda (69,59%), ensino fundamental incompleto (39,58%), multibacilar (62,71%), forma clínica dimorfa (54,24%), até cinco lesões (74,45%), zero a dois nervos afetados (83,23%), sem baciloscopia (46,28%), casos novos (93,70%), demanda espontânea (46,38%) e grau zero de incapacidade no diagnóstico (78,98%). Conclusão: foram demostrados parâmetros hiperendêmicos com elevado risco para a doença. Destaca-se a importância de criar estratégias de controle e prevenção para reduzir a transmissão da hanseníase em crianças.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical profile of reported cases of Hansen´s disease in children under 15 years old in the municipality of São Luís - Maranhão - Brazil. Method: descriptive study conducted with 826 cases reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System, in São Luís - Maranhão, in the period from 2010 to 2019. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies. Results: age group between 10 and 14 years (60.29%), male (51.09%), brown (69.59%), incomplete elementary education (39.58%), multibacillary (62.71%), dimorphic clinical form (54.24%), up to five lesions (74.45%), zero to two nerves affected (83.23%), no bacilloscopic (46.28%), new cases (93.70%), spontaneous demand (46.38%) and zero degree of disability at diagnosis (78.98%). Conclusion: hyper-endemic parameters with high risk for the disease were demonstrated. It is important to create control and prevention strategies to reduce Hansen´s disease transmission in children.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de los casos notificados de lepra en niños menores de 15 años, en el municipio de São Luís - Maranhão - Brasil. Método: estudio descriptivo realizado con 826 casos notificados en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria, en São Luís - Maranhão, en el período de 2010 a 2019. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadísticas descriptivas y se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: edad entre 10 y 14 años (60,29%), sexo masculino (51,09%), color marrón (69,59%), educación elemental incompleta (39,58%), multibacilar (62,71%), forma clínica dimórfica (54,24%), hasta cinco lesiones (74,45%), de cero a dos nervios afectados (83,23%), sin baciloscopia (46,28%), casos nuevos (93,70%), demanda espontánea (46,38%) y cero grado de discapacidad en el momento del diagnóstico (78,98%). Conclusión: se demostraron parámetros hiperendémicos con alto riesgo de enfermedad. Destaca la importancia de crear estrategias de control y prevención para reducir la transmisión de la lepra en los niños.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico da hanseníase em um município hiperendêmico / Clinical-epidemiological profile of leprosy in a hyperendemic municipality

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos casos de hanseníase no município hiperendêmico de São Luís do Maranhão, Brasil. Metodologia: estudo epidemiológico, retrospectivo, descritivo e quantitativo. Utilizaram-se dados de pacientes com hanseníase, referentes ao período de 2014 a 2017, obtidos a partir da base de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Resultados: no período analisado, notificaram-se 2.166 casos de hanseníase. Observou-se maior frequência no sexo feminino (53,4%) e na faixa etária de 15-59 anos (69,4%). Quanto aos aspectos clínicos, 62,1% eram da forma dimorfa, 77,8% classificados como multibacilar e 61,8% sem incapacidades físicas. Apresentaram algum grau de incapacidade 694 casos (32,0%). O diagnóstico da hanseníase ainda é realizado tardiamente devido à detecção da classificação multibacilar e forma clínica dimorfa, além da presença de incapacidade física no momento do diagnóstico. Conclusão: os resultados deste estudo sugerem a realização de novas pesquisas que explorem a necessidade de intensificação de estratégias de prevenção e controle da doença visando à eliminação da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública no município.

Objective: to characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of leprosy cases in the hyperendemic municipality of São Luís do Maranhão, Brazil. Methodology: This is an epidemiological, retrospective, descriptive, and quantitative study. We used data from leprosy patients from 2014 to 2017 obtained from the database of the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, available by the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System. Results: In the analyzed period, we notified 2,166 leprosy cases. A higher frequency was observed in females (53.4%) and the 15-59 age group (69.4%). Regarding the clinical aspects, 62.1% were of the dimorphic form, 77.8% were classified as multibacillary and 61.8% without physical disabilities. In 694 cases (32.0%), there was some degree of disability. The diagnosis of leprosy is still made late, due to the detection of the multibacillary classification and the dimorphic clinical form, and to the presence of a physical disability at the time of diagnosis. Conclusion: the results of this study suggest new research that explores the need to intensify strategies for prevention and control of the disease aiming at the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in the municipality.

Aspectos epidemiológicos de uma área endêmica para Leishmaniose visceral em um município no Maranhão, Brasil / Epidemiological aspects of an endemic area for visceral Leishmaniasis in a municipality in Maranhão, Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos de un área endémica para la leishmaniasis visceral en un municipio de Maranhão, Brasil

Justificativa e Objetivos: a Leishmaniose Visceral (LV) é considerada uma das seis maiores doenças endêmicas prioritárias e de grande preocupação para a saúde pública devido à sua letalidade e elevada incidência. O presente estudo objetiva descrever as características socioeconômicas, demográficas e ambientais das famílias residentes na área com o maior número de casos de LV notificados no município de Itapecuru Mirim, Maranhão. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal. Foram incluídos no estudo 273 famílias da área com o maior número de casos. Resultados: verificou-se que a maioria das residências era de alvenaria e cobertas com telha. As casas possuíam de quatro a seis habitantes que viviam com renda inferior a um salário mínimo. Os serviços de água encanada, coleta de lixo e a presença de fossa séptica foram referidas por 68,13% dos entrevistados. Foi mencionada a criação de animais e a presença desses próximos às residências dos entrevistados. Casos de LV foram referidos na família e na vizinhança. Grande parte dos entrevistados desconhecia a realização de ações de controle para o reservatório e vetor da LV no município (93,64%). Entre as famílias com história de LV, 56,25% relataram que não foram acompanhados durante o tratamento. Conclusão: o estudo contribui para entender a dinâmica de infecção por LV na população do bairro, estimulando estudos posteriores que englobem todo o município ou o estado. Dessa forma, os dados coletados servem para alertar os gestores de saúde do município acerca dos problemas identificados.(AU)

Justification and Objectives: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is considered one of the six major priority endemic diseases and of great concern for public health due to its lethality and high incidence. This study aims to describe the socioeconomic, demographic and environmental characteristics of families living in the area with the highest number of cases of VL reported in the municipality of Itapecuru Mirim, Maranhão. Methods: this is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study included 273 families in the area with the highest number of cases. Results: it was found that the majority of homes were masonry and covered with tile. The houses had four to six inhabitants who lived on an income below the minimum wage. The services of piped water, garbage collection and the presence of septic tank were mentioned by 68.13% of the interviewees. Animal breeding and the presence of animals close to the interviewees' homes was mentioned. VL cases were reported in the family and in the neighborhood. Most respondents were unaware of carrying out control actions for the reservoir and VL vector in the municipality (93.64%). Among families with a history of VL, 56.25% reported that they were not followed up during treatment. Conclusion: the study contributes to understanding the dynamics of infection by VL in the population of the neighborhood, stimulating further studies that encompass the entire municipality or the state. Thus, the data collected serves to alert health managers in the municipality about the problems identified.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: la Leishmaniasis Visceral (LV) se considera una de las seis enfermedades endémicas prioritarias y de gran preocupación para la salud pública, debido a su letalidad y alta incidencia. Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir las características socioeconómicas, demográficas y ambientales de las familias que viven en el área con el mayor número de casos de LV reportados en el municipio de Itapecuru Mirim, Maranhão. Métodos: este es un estudio descriptivo transversal. El estudio incluyó a 273 familias en el área con el mayor número de casos. Resultados: se descubrió que la mayoría de las residencias eran de mampostería y estaban cubiertas con azulejos. Las casas tenían de cuatro a seis habitantes que vivían con un ingreso inferior al salario mínimo. El 68.13% de los entrevistados reportaron los servicios de agua entubada, recolección de basura y la presencia de tanque séptico. Los entrevistados mencionaron la cría de animales y la presencia de animales cerca de los hogares. Se reportaron casos de VI en la familia y en el vecindario. La mayoría de los encuestados desconocían llevar a cabo acciones de control para el reservorio y el vector del VI en el municipio (93,64%). Entre las familias con antecedentes de LV, el 56.25% informó que no fueron seguidas durante el tratamiento. Conclusión: el estudio contribuye a comprender la dinámica de la infección de VL en la población del vecindario, y alienta a realizar más estudios que abarquen todo el municipio o estado. Así pues, los datos reunidos sirven para alertar a los administradores de la salud del municipio sobre los problemas detectados.(AU)

[Profile of leprosy patients in a hiperendemic area of Amazonian Maranhão, Brazil]. / Perfil dos pacientes com hanseníase em área hiperendêmica da Amazinia do Maranhão, Brasil.

An epidemiological cross-sectional study of 207 patients with leprosy disease, was undertaken between August 1998 to november 2000, aiming at evaluating the socioeconomic, demographic and ambiental profiles of the patients as well as physical incapacity due to the disease. The study was performed in the municipality of Buriticupu-Maranh o state, a hiperendemic leprosy area in the Amazonian Maranh o. The level of incapacity was assessed from parameters established by the Brazilian Health Minister. The clinical evaluation and the results of the physical tests were registered in a standardized form. It was observed a predominance of married people (45,9%), with low level of education (56%), being lend workers (40,1%), with familiar income to the minimum wage (76,3%), aged from 14 to 44 years (63,3%), males (60,9%) and brown (67,6%); 44% living in mud huts, 82,6% deposited their excrements in cesspits and 63,8% do not treat the drinking water, 58% utilized well-water and 51,7% do not use treated water for ingestion. The most affected segments of the body were the feet (62,3%), eyes (51,2%) end hands (7,2%), being the higher percentage of physical incapacitaties found among the patients bearing the borderline form of the disease (93%) mainly hands and feet, and in the virchowian form greatest frequency of eyes incapacities. It is concluded that the hyperendemicity associated with the precarious socioeconomic conditions and with a high level of physical incapacities may be involved with the living quality of the patients.

Perfil dos pacientes acompanhados pelo SIS-HiperDia em um estado do nordeste brasileiro / Profile of patients followed by the SIS-HiperDia in a brazilian northeast state

Introdução: Atualmente a hipertensão (HAS) e o diabetes (DM) configuram-se como um importante problema de saúde pública internacional, com elevadas morbidade e mortalidade em diversas nações. O maior ônus aos sistemas de saúde do mundo relaciona-se ao conjunto de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, no qual se insere a hipertensão e o diabetes melittus, implicando em prejuízos para os doentes, suas famílias e para a sociedade. É, portanto, imperioso conhecer as características dos acometidos por essas enfermidades. Objetivo: Caracterizar indivíduos com hipertensão e diabetes mellitus cadastradas no SIS-HiperDia no estado do Maranhão. Material e Métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo, quantitativo, utilizando dados do SIS-HiperDia de 2002 a 2012. Resultados: As mulheres foram o grupo de maior representatividade dentre os cadastrados, bem como aqueles pertencentes à faixa etária de 60 a 79 anos. Na análise das complicações e fatores de risco, o AVC e o sedentarismo foram, respectivamente, os mais referidos. Conclusão: observou-se maior prevalência de hipertensão e diabetes mellitus entre as mulheres, em idades avançadas. Faz-se necessário implementar ações de saúde que visem assistir essa população alvo, bem como estratégias que auxiliem na redução das complicações e fatores de risco associados a essas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis.

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes (DM) are now an important public health problem. Both pose a high morbidity and mortality in several worldwide nations. The greatest burden on the world's health systems is related to chronic noncommunicable diseases, in which both hypertension and diabetes mellitus are inserted. Both disease cause harm to patients, to their families, and to society. Therefore, it is imperative to know the characteristics of those affected by these diseases. Objective: To characterize individuals with hypertension and diabetes mellitus enrolled in SIS-Hiperdia in the State of Maranhão. Patients and Methods: We carried out an observational, descriptive, and quantitative study using SIS-HiperDia data from 2002 to 2012. Results: Women were the most representative group among those enrolled, as well as those with ages ranging from 60 to 79 years. In the analysis of complications and risk factors, the most frequently mentioned events were stroke and sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: We observed a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among women at an advanced age. It is necessary to implement health actions aimed at assisting this target population, as well as strategies that help reducing the complications and risk factors associated with these noncommunicable diseases.

Perfil epidemiológico dos contatos intradomiciliares de casos de hanseníase em capital hiperendêmica no Brasil / Epidemiological profile of in-house contacts of leprosy cases in a brazilian hypertendemic capital / Perfil pidemiológico de los contactos em casa de casos de leprosa em uma capital hipertendémica brasileña

Objetivo: Avaliar a situação dos contatos intradomiciliares dos casos de hanseníase notificados no ano de 2012 em São Luís/Maranhão. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo-descritivo-transversal, com coleta de dados utilizando-se instrumento estruturado. Resultados: A maioria dos contatos intradomiciliares eram mulheres (51,87%), idade entre 0 e 20 anos (40,29%), parentesco consanguíneo de 1º grau (54,92%), forma dimorfa (59,78%) e multibacilares (75,53%). Do total, 1880 (67,96%) não realizaram o exame dermatoneurológico. Entre os examinados, houve maior frequência no distrito Bequimão (28,48%), no qual 59,82% eram mulheres, idade entre 0 a 20 anos (44,77%). Ao exame, 91,27% apresentou-se normal. Dentre os suspeitos, 36,73% tinham hanseníase, 58,21% possuíam cicatriz da 1ª dose da BCG e 59,98% foram encaminhados a vacinação. A prevalência da doença entre os contatos foi de 1,62%. As ações da vigilância de contatos classificaram-se como precárias em São Luís. Conclusão: A maioria dos contatos registrados não foi examinada, evidenciando necessidade de fortificação das ações da vigilância no município

Objective: To evaluate the situation of in-house contacts of the cases of leprosy reported in 2012 in São Luis, Maranhão. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study, with data collection using a structured instrument. Results: The majority of in-house contacts were women (51.87%), from 0 to 20 years of age (40.29%), first-degree kinship (54.92%), dimorphic shape (59.78) and multibacillary (75.53%). In total, 1880 (67.96%) did not take the dermato-neurological exam. Among those tested, there was a greater frequency in the Bequimão district (2.48%), 59.82% were women, from 0 to 20 years of age (44.77%). On the exam, 91.27% were normal. Among those suspected of carrying the disease, 36.73% had leprosy, 58.21% had scars from the first dose of BCG and 59.98% were sent to receive vaccination. The prevalence of the disease among the contacts was 1.62%. The actions of contact monitoring were classified as precarious in São Luis. Conclusion: The majority of registered contacts were not examined, highlighting the need for strengthening of monitoring efforts in the city

Objetivo: Evaluar la situación de los contactos intradomiciliares de los casos de hanseniasis notificados en el año 2012 en São Luis - MA. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo-descriptivo-transversal, con recolección de datos utilizando instrumento estructurado. Resultados: La mayoría de los contactos intradomiciliares eran mujeres (51,87%), edad entre 0 y 20 años (40,29%), parentesco consanguíneo de primer grado (54,92%), forma dimorfa (59,78%), multibacilares (75,53%). Del total, 1880 (67,96%) no realizaron el examen dermatoneurológico. Entre los examinados, hubo mayor frecuencia en el distrito de Bequimão (28,48%), el 59,82% eran mujeres, entre 0 a 20 años (44,77%). En el examen, el 91,27% se presentó normal. Entre los sospechosos, el 36,73% tenían hanseniasis, el 58,21% tenía cicatriz de la 1ª dosis de BCG y el 59,98% fueron encaminados a la vacunación. La prevalencia de la enfermedad entre los contactos fue del 1,62%. Las acciones de la vigilancia de contactos se clasificaron como precarias en San Luis. Conclusión: La mayoría de los contactos registrados no fueron examinados, evidenciando necesidad de fortificación de las acciones de la vigilancia en el municipio

Neural complications and physical disabilities in leprosy in a capital of northeastern Brazil with high endemicity.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is an infectious disease whose etiologic agent is Mycobacterium leprae, manifested by dermatological and neurological signs and symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate neural changes and the degree of physical disability in the eyes, hands and feet before and after treatment, as well as sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients affected by leprosy. METHOD: A longitudinal epidemiological study comprising 155 patients with leprosy, from a spontaneous demand, diagnosed between March 2010 and February 2011, and treated with multidrug therapy (MDT) between March 2010 and July 2012 in a program for leprosy eradication in São Luis (MA), Brazil. RESULTS: Before treatment, 46.5% of patients were considered as borderline, 51.6% had some alteration in the eyes and 52.3% in the feet, and the radial nerve (18.7%) was the most affected. There was a statistically significant difference between the changes in the radial nerve at the beginning of and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis points to late diagnosis, as some patients have had abnormal neural and physical disabilities before treatment.

Factors associated with neural alterations and physical disabilities in patients with leprosy in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors that are associated with neural alterations and physical disabilities in leprosy patients at the time of diagnosis. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 155 leprosy patients who participated in a program that aimed to eliminate leprosy from São Luis, State of Maranhão. RESULTS: Patients who were 31-45 years of age, were older than 60 years of age or had a partner were more likely to have a disability. Patients with partners were 1.14 times more likely (p = 0.025) to have disabilities of the hands. The frequency of disabilities in the feet among the patients with different clinical forms of leprosy was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of risk factors that are associated with neural alterations and physical disabilities in leprosy patients is important for diagnosing the disease because this approach enables physicians to plan and prioritize actions for the treatment and monitoring of patients.

Programa de controle da hanseníase em capital hiperendêmica: uma avaliação operacional / Programa de control de la lepra en una capital hiperendémica: una evaluación operacional / Leprosy control program in a hyperendemic capital: an operational assessment

Objetivo avaliar o Programa de Controle da Hanseníase em capital hiperendêmica no Brasil. Método pesquisa de avaliação, realizada em todas as instituições de saúde que operacionalizavam o programa de controle da hanseníase no município de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, abrangendo todos os casos novos e contatos de casos de hanseníase notificados no ano de 2012. Resultados o programa foi classificado como "Bom" quanto às taxas de abandono (3,4%) e quanto ao grau de incapacidade física no diagnóstico (94,6%). Os indicadores proporção de alta por cura (42,5%) e proporção de contatos examinados (29,1%) foram classificados como "Precários". O indicador proporção de casos curados no ano com grau de incapacidade física avaliado na alta foi classificado como "Regular" (82,5%). Conclusão o Programa de Controle da Hanseníase no município não vem atuando de maneira efetiva e resolutiva, sugerindo uma deficiência na qualidade do acompanhamento dos casos até a completude do tratamento.

Objetivo evaluar el Programa de Control de la Lepra en una capital hiperendémica en Brasil. Método estudio de evaluación, realizada en todas las instituciones de salud que operaban el programa de control de la lepra en el municipio de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, abarcando todos los nuevos casos y los contactos de casos de lepra notificados durante el año de 2012. Resultados el programa fue clasificado como "Bueno" con relación a las tasas de abandono (3,4%) y al grado de incapacidad física en el diagnóstico (94,6%). Los indicadores proporción de alta por cura (42,5%) y proporción de contactos examinados (29,1%), fueron clasificados como "Precarios". El indicador proporción de casos curados en ese año con grado de incapacidad física evaluado en el alta, fue clasificado como "Regular" (82,5%). Conclusión el Programa de Control de la Lepra en el municipio, no viene actuando de manera efectiva y resuelta, sugiriendo una deficiencia en la calidad del acompañamiento de los casos hasta la conclusión del tratamiento.

Objective assess the Leprosy Control Program in a hyperendemic capital in Brazil. Method assessment study, developed in all health institutions that operated in the Leprosy control program in the city of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, covering all new and contact cases of leprosy notified in 2012. Results the program was classified as "Good" when considering the abandonment rates (3.4%) and the degree of physical disability in the diagnosis (94.6%). The indicators proportion of discharge due to cure (42.5%) and proportion of examined contacts (29.1%) were ranked as "Precarious". The indicator proportion of cured cases per year with assessment of degree of physical disability upon discharge was classified as "Regular" (82.5%). Conclusion The Leprosy Control Program in the city has not been working in an effective and problem-solving manner, suggesting that the quality of the case monitoring until the completion of treatment is deficient.

Perfil epidemiológico, clínico e qualidade de vida de crianças com hanseníase em um município hiperendêmico / Epidemiological, clinical and quality of life profiling of children with leprosy in a hyperendemic municipality / Perfil epidemiológico, clínico y calidad de vida de niños con hanseniasis en un municipio hiperendémico

Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico, clinico e qualidade de vida de crianças com hanseníase em um município hiperendêmico. Métodos: estudo descritivo e epidemiológico, com crianças de 5 a 14 anos, notificadas com hanseníase. Dados coletados entre 2015 e 2016, a partir de análise documental (Ficha de Notificação da Hanseníase) e aplicação do Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). População constituída por 48 crianças, sendo 40 entrevistadas. Análise estatística dos dados com apresentação em frequências absolutas e percentuais e, escores do CDQLI. Projeto aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: maiores frequências do sexo masculino, idade entre 12 a 14 anos, cor parda, classificação operacional multibacilar, forma clínica dimorfa e Grau 0 de incapacidade no diagnóstico. Mais da metade com algum grau de comprometimento pelo CDQLI. Conclusão: elevada frequência das formas transmissíveis da doença e do comprometimento da qualidade de vida dos menores de 15 anos investigados.

Objective: to examine the epidemiological, clinical and quality of life profile of children with leprosy in a hyperendemic municipality. Methods: In this descriptive study of children from 5 to 14 years old notified with leprosy, data were collected between 2015 and 2016, by documentary analysis of Leprosy notification records and application of CDLQI. Of the study population of 48 children, 40 were interviewed. Descriptive data analysis results were presented in absolute and percentage frequencies, and CDQLI scores. The project was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: mostly males, aged from 12 to 14 years, brown skin color, multibacillary operational classification, dimorphic clinical form, and disability grade zero at diagnosis more than half with some impairment by CDQLI. Conclusion: transmissible forms of tuberculosis were present in high frequencies, and the quality of life of the under-15s studied was impaired.

Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológico, clínico y calidad de vida de niños con hanseniasis en un municipio hiperendémico. Métodos: estudio descriptivo y epidemiológico, con niños de 5 a 14 años, con notificación de hanseniasis. Datos recolectados entre 2015 y 2016, a partir de análisis documental (Ficha de Notificación de la Hanseniasis) y aplicación del Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Población constituida por 48 niños, siendo 40 entrevistados. Análisis estadístico de los datos con presentación en frecuencias absolutas y porcentuales y puntuaciones del CDQLI. Proyecto aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: mayores frecuencias del sexo masculino, edad entre 12 a 14 años, color pardo, clasificación operacional multibacilar, forma clínica dimorfa y Grado 0 de incapacidad en el diagnóstico. Más de la mitad con algún grado de compromiso por el CDQLI. Conclusión: elevada frecuencia de las formas transmisibles de la enfermedad y del compromiso de la calidad de vida de los menores de 15 años investigados.

Factors associated with asymptomatic infection in family members and neighbors of patients with visceral leishmaniasis.

This study analyzed factors associated with asymptomatic Leishmania chagasi infection in family members and neighbors of patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 361 individuals in the counties comprising Ilha de São Luís (São Luís Island) in Maranhão State, Brazil. The Montenegro skin test (MST) and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect infection. Odds ratios (OR) and prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated by multilevel logistic regression and Poisson regression, respectively. The rates of positive reactions were 71.3% for MST and 9.7% for ELISA. The variable associated with infection according to MST was living in the same household as the index case (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.03-1.78). According to ELISA, the statistically significant variables were: living in the county of Raposa (OR = 3.56; 95%CI: 1.24-10.19) and living in the same household as the index case (OR = 2.70; 95%CI: 1.19-6.08). Family members of individuals with LV are at increased risk of infection. Priority control measures should target these families.

Primary care nurses' cognitive and attitudinal ability in leprosy control / Aptidões cognitivas e atitudinais do enfermeiro da atenção básica no controle da hanseníase / Aptitudes cognitivas y actitudinales del enfermero de la atención básica en el control de la hanseniasis

Objetivo investigar as aptidões cognitivas e atitudinais dos enfermeiros da Atenção Básica para o controle da hanseníase. Método estudo descritivo quantitativo, realizado entre janeiro e dezembro de 2012, com 101 enfermeiros dos sete distritos sanitários de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Utilizou-se um questionário estruturado com cinco categorias de respostas, ordenadas de acordo com a escala de Likert. Às respostas foram atribuídos escores que levaram à formação de um conceito (excelente; muito bom; bom; regular; ruim). Resultados consideraram-se capacitados 71,2%, porém 63,3% não se sentem aptos para desenvolver ações de prevenção de incapacidades e 83,1% seguiam o protocolo padronizado. Quanto às aptidões cognitivas e atitudinais, a maioria apresentou conceito muito bom (58,4% e 67,3%, respectivamente). Conclusão os enfermeiros, segundo a classificação adotada, possuem boas aptidões cognitivas e atitudinais. No entanto, as capacitações em hanseníase não atendem às reais necessidades de conduta desses profissionais nas ações de diagnóstico e tratamento do agravo.

Objetivo investigar las aptitudes cognitivas y actitudinales de los enfermeros de la Atención Básica para el control de la hanseníasis. Método estudio descriptivo cuantitativo, realizado entre enero y diciembre de 2012, con 101 enfermeros de los siete distritos sanitarios de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado con cinco categorías de respuestas, ordenadas de acuerdo con la escala de Likert. Las respuestas fueron atribuidos puntos que llevaron a la formación de un concepto (excelente; muy bueno; bueno; regular; malo). Resultados se consideraron capacitados 71,2%, sin embargo 63,3% no se sienten aptos para desarrollar acciones de prevención de incapacidades y 83,1% seguían el protocolo padronizado. Sobre las aptitudes cognitivas y actitudinales, la mayoría presentó concepto muy bueno (58,4% y 67,3%, respectivamente). Conclusión los enfermeros, según la clasificación adoptada, poseen buenas aptitudes cognitivas y actitudinales. Sin embargo, las capacitaciones en hanseníasis no atienden a las reales necesidades de conducta de esos profesionales en las acciones de diagnóstico y tratamiento del problema.

Objective to investigate Primary Care nurses’ cognitive and attitudinal abilities for leprosy control. Method this is a quantitative descriptive study, conducted between January and December 2012, with 101 nurses from the seven sanitary districts of São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil. A structured questionnaire was used with five categories of answers, ranked according to the Likert scale. Scores were assigned scores to the answers, which led to the formation of a concept (excellent, very good, good, fair, poor). Results 71.2% considered themselves capable, but 63.3% did not feel able to develop disability prevention actions and 83.1% followed the standardized protocol. Regarding cognitive and attitudinal abilities, the majority presented a very good concept (58.4% and 67.3%, respectively). Conclusion nurses, according to the adopted classification, have good cognitive and attitudinal abilities. However, training in leprosy does not meet the real needs of these professionals in the actions of diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Fatores associados ao retratamento da tuberculose nos municípios prioritários do Maranhão, Brasil / Factors associated with tuberculosis retreatment in priority districts of Maranhão, Brazil

Resumo Este estudo investigou os fatores associados aos casos de retratamento de tuberculose por recidiva e por reingresso após abandono. Trata-se de um estudo transversal tipo analítico dos casos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação em municípios prioritários do Estado do Maranhão, de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2010. Para identificar as associações foi utilizado o modelo de regressão logística. Os pacientes com idade entre 40 e 59 anos (OR = 1,49; p = 0,029) e com a forma clínica pulmonar (OR = 2,79; p = 0,016) apresentaram maior chance para recidiva. Os reingressos após abandono tiveram maior chance nos indivíduos do sexo masculino (OR = 1,53; p = 0,046), com idade entre 20 e 39 anos (OR = 1,65; p = 0,007), com menos de oito anos de estudo (OR = 2,01; p = 0,037) e dependentes de álcool (OR = 1,66; p = 0,037), os quais apresentaram maior chance de novo abandono (OR = 5,96; p < 0,001). Esses dados reforçam a necessidade de estratégias direcionadas a esse grupo, como a ampliação do tratamento supervisionado, intensificação da busca ativa, acompanhamento pós-alta e ações de educação em saúde.

Abstract This study investigated factors associated with cases of tuberculosis retreatment due to relapse and readmission after treatment abandonment. This is an analytical cross-sectional study type of cases reported in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases in priority municipalities in the State of Maranhão, from January 2005 to December 2010. A logistic regression model was used to identify the association. Patients aged between 40 and 59 years (OR = 1.49, p = 0.029) with a pulmonary clinical form (OR = 2.79, p = 0.016) were more likely to incur relapse. Readmissions after abandonment were more likely in males (OR = 1.53, p = 0.046), aged between 20 and 39 years (OR = 1.65, p = 0.007), with less than eight years of schooling (OR = 2.01, p = 0.037) and with alcohol dependence (OR=1.66, p = 0.037), which showed a higher probability of another abandonment (OR = 5.96, p < 0.001). These data reinforce the need for strategies aimed at this group, such as increased supervised treatment, intensified active search, post-discharge follow-up and health education action.