Leprosy detection and Human Development Index of cities of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The epidemiology of leprosy is affected by transmission mechanisms, socio-economic and operating factors related at health service. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between detection of leprosy tax and Human Development Index (IDH) in the cities of Minas Gerais/Brazil. This is a transversal and ecological study. The data were collected from Technical Reports of Health State Secretary and Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The detection rates were categorized in low, median, high, very high and hiperendemic, according to the parameters from the Ministry of Health. The IDH values were categorized in high, median and low. Associations of data using Chi-Square Test, corrected by Bonferroni index, found statistically significant differences related to leprosy detection in cities with high and low IDH, the last one presented highest rates. The results suggest that cities with worst socio-economic conditions have less control of the endemy. Our data indicate the need to intensify leprosy control and elimination strategies in the state prioritizing the cities with worst IDH.