INDICATORS OF LEPROSY IN THE STATE OF MINAS GERAIS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MUNICIPAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX AND THE COVERAGE OF THE FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the epidemiological indicators of leprosy, the coverage of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) and the Municipal Human Development Index (IDHM) in Minas Gerais – Brasil, from 1998 to 2013. It is an ecological study. The way to measure living conditions was through the IDHM. Two analysis were carried out: one considering the average of each indicator in the period from 1998 to 2005, and another from 2006 to 2013. A descriptive analysis was made of the epidemiological situation of leprosy, the coverage of the ESF and the IDHM in Minas Gerais. Next, a relationship was established between the general detection rates, in children under 15 years old and with degree 2 of disability; with the coverage of the ESF and the IDHM, using Poisson tests with zero inflation and Deviance. The analysis was performed in the statistical program SPSS version 19.0 and Stata version 10.0. The results suggest a reduction of the endemic disease in the state, identified by the decrease in the disease indicators. Increased ESF coverage has contributed to the increased detection of cases of the disease, reduction of cases in children under 15 years old and grade 2 disability. The increase in the IDHM has contributed to the reduction of cases of the disease and disability of grade 2. Despite policies to improve access to health services and the living conditions of the population, we observe the persistence of hyperendemic municipalities in the state.