Introduction:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves, and may lead to irreversible physical disabilities when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Despite the availability of multidrug therapy and advances in disease control, Brazil remains among the countries with the highest number of cases, with Tocantins being one of the most affected states. The occurrence of leprosy in individuals under 15 years old is an important indicator of active transmission and weaknesses in epidemiological surveillance, especially in hyperendemic areas such as Palmas.
Objective:
To describe the epidemiological profile and analyze the temporal trend of physical disabilities caused by leprosy in children and adolescents under 15 years of age living in Palmas, Tocantins, from 2015 to 2025.Methods: This is an ecological time-trend study based on secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). All new leprosy cases in individuals under 15 years old during the study period will be included, considering sociodemographic and clinical variables. Temporal trends will be analyzed using Poisson joinpoint regression, with calculation of annual percent change and average annual percent change, adopting a 5% significance level.
Expected Results:
It is expected to demonstrate the magnitude of physical disabilities associated with leprosy in this age group, with a predominance of multibacillary cases, higher frequency in boys aged 10 to 14 years, and a significant proportion of diagnoses with grade 1 and 2 disabilities.
Conclusion:
The findings are expected to indicate persistent late diagnosis and limitations in epidemiological surveillance, supporting the strengthening of primary health care, improving early detection actions, and rehabilitation strategies, contributing to the reduction of disabilities and control of the disease.
a1984-3852