Factors associated with the spatial distribution of leprosy: a systematic review of the published literature.

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to identify factors related to the spatial distribution of leprosy through studies utilising geographic information systems (GIS) techniques. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were adopted and the Population, Concept, Context (PCC) strategy employed to formulate the research question and define its scope: what factors associated with the spatial context of leprosy have been identified in studies utilising GIS techniques, and what are the key contributions of GIS in understanding the disease? The bibliographic databases consulted included PubMed, LILACS, EMBASE and Scopus. Only full original research articles in English, Spanish or Portuguese were included. Of the identified articles, 35 (23.8%) met the inclusion criteria, with the majority addressing socioeconomic factors (60.0%), followed by health indicators (17.1%). A smaller proportion of studies focused on logistics/distance (8.6%) or environmental aspects (2.9%). Although numerous studies utilise GIS techniques for understanding leprosy, few adopt robust methodologies to investigate the factors influencing its spatial features. There is a scarcity of studies employing GIS to examine environmental and logistical aspects related to the spatial distribution of leprosy. Addressing these gaps requires broader dissemination of the potential advantages of GIS in leprosy; the provision of reliable public data; and the capacity building of professionals committed to combating and controlling leprosy in endemic areas.