The distribution of leprosy cases with physical disability in the state of Paraiba, Brazil, from 2001 to 2011

Objective: To identify the spatial pattern of disabilities occurrence by leprosy in the state of Paraiba, Brazil, from 2001 to 2011. Methods: This is an ecological, retrospective and evidence-based study, which has as a unit of analysis the regions of the State of Paraiba, from aggregated data. 3,408 leprosy cases with physical disability, and their distribution from the construction of tables and thematic maps were analyzed. Results: The results showed high detection rates in the regions of Cajazeiras, Guarabira, Esperanca, Itaporanga, Joao Pessoa and Eastern Serido. Only Western Serido had no reported cases of physical disability. Conclusion: It is suggested in the study the need for deeper studies about the pathology’s spatial distribution.