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Risk factors for physical disability due to leprosy: a case-control study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The main consequence of leprosy is physical disability. Objective To identify risk factors of physical disabilities due to leprosy. Method Case-control study carried out at the Notifiable Diseases Information System – Leprosy in the 9th Regional Health District of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, between 2001 and 2014. Cases were individuals who presented degree of physical disability 1 or 2 at diagnosis or discharge; and controls included individuals with degree of physical disability 0 also at diagnosis and discharge. A 1:1 (case:control) proportion was used. Data were analyzed using the Epi Info and BioEstat software packages. Results The following cases and controls (428 each) at risk for physical disability were analyzed: aged ≥15 years (96.5%, OR=0.33, p<0.01), males (59.3%, OR=1.82, p<0.01), low education level (70.4%, OR=2.66, p<0.01), multibacillary classification (72.9%, OR=9.29; p< 0.01), number of lesions ≥5 (34.3%, OR=0.18, p<0.01), and number of nerves affected ≥1 (12.6%, OR=0.05; p<0.01). Late diagnosis, missing/inadequately filled data, absence/non-registration of dermato-neurological evaluation, and low control of contacts were observed. Conclusion The need for active surveillance and early detection of leprosy cases and contacts is highlighted.

More information

Type
Journal Article
Author
Véras GCB
Lima Júnior JF
Cândido EL
Maia ER