Evolução temporal e distribuição espacial da hanseníase município do Rio de Janeiro, de 2014 a 2022

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of new leprosy cases and the spatial and temporal distribution of leprosy detection rates in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro (MRJ) from 2014 to 2022. Method: This is an ecological study with a spatial approach, based on notification data of new leprosy cases from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) during the period 2014–2022. Descriptive analyses were performed using graphs and thematic maps of priority indicators selected for the study. Cluster analysis of case occurrence was conducted using Moran's Index statistics and empirical Bayesian methods. Results: Between 2014 and 2022, 2,437 new leprosy cases were reported in Rio de Janeiro, with a predominance among males (54.16%) and the highest concentration of cases in the 45–64 age group (39.01%). New case detection increased from period 1 (2014–2016) to period 2 (2017–2019) and decreased from period 2 to period 3 (2020–2022). Most cases were of mixed-race individuals (40.25%), and 34.02% had only incomplete elementary education. The detection rate dropped from 5.11 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2014 to 2.98 in 2020, but there was a slight increase in 2021 and 2022. Most cases were multibacillary, with advanced clinical forms predominating (89.82%). Spatial analyses revealed significant clusters of high detection rates, especially in administrative regions of the western and central zones of the city. The global Moran's Index confirmed significant clustering across all periods analyzed. During period T, regions such as Santa Cruz, Campo Grande, and Guaratiba showed a slight decline in rates adjusted by the empirical Bayesian method, reflecting more precise local variations. Maps such as LISA and BoxMap indicated consistent patterns over time, with a reduction in case intensity in areas of higher concentration but persistent relevant hotspots. Conclusion: The findings of this study can contribute to the planning of health surveillance actions for leprosy control in Rio de Janeiro. The study highlights the need to focus efforts on regions with higher incidence, implementing specific interventions to reduce disease transmission and impact.