Leprosy in Brazil: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease estimates between 1990 and 2019

Objective

To analyze the occurrence of leprosy in Brazil and its states between 1990 and 2019, according to Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates, and its correlation with development status.

Study design

A descriptive and analytical ecological epidemiological study.

Methods

Rates of incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLD) due to leprosy, standardized by age, per 100,000 inhabitants, were analyzed. The trend analysis consisted of the joinpoint regression model and the average annual percentage change. The correlation between the incidence rate and the sociodemographic index (SDI) was investigated (Spearman test) at a 5% significance level. Incidence, prevalence and YLD rates were presented by country's states, sex, and age.

Results

There was an average percentage decrease of −1.1% per year (P < 0.001) in the incidence rate in the country and, between 1990 and 2019, a decline from 4.8 to 3.5 per 100,000 inhabitants; prevalence from 26.1 to 22.2, and YLD from 1.1 to 1.0. The incidence rate was higher among men and the elderly. Maranhão (7.0 in 1990; 4.2 in 2019), Alagoas (6.6 in 1990; 4.1 in 2019), Acre (6.1 in 1990; 4.0 in 2019), Mato Grosso (5.2 in 1990 and 3.7 in 2019), and Mato Grosso do Sul (4.8 in 1990 and 3.7 in 2019) presented the highest incidence rates. A negative correlation was observed between SDI levels and leprosy incidence rates in 1990 (R = −0.71; P < 0.0001) and 2019 (R = −0.81; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Despite the decrease in the rates of leprosy incidence, prevalence, and YLDs over the analyzed period, Brazil has a long way towards achieving its eradication. The greater burden of the disease in males stands out. The estimated risk of the disease was higher in the states with the lowest SDI levels. Therefore, interventions must consider the heterogeneity of the disease burden geographically and between sociodemographic groups.