Evaluation of the program for leprosy control in counties of Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective analysis of the Program for Leprosy Control in four counties of Mato Grosso State, on the Brazil-Bolivian frontier, has been undertaken in the present study. POPULATION AND METHODS: The health care service records of all patients registered by the Programs for Leprosy Control during the period from the beginning of their activities up to 1990 inclusive were checked. Final analysis was performed by epidemiological and operational indicators for the follow-up of control activities of Leprosy Control, as defined by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: An inadequate recording of information given by the patient was detected in more than half of all cases. The prevalence of leprosy varied from 15 to 48/10,000, in the period studied. The annual detection rate of new cases was 112/100,000 in 1990. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a high endemicity pattern for leprosy in the region. With regard to operational indicators our finding showed inadequate practice regarding all the activities of the program probably worsened by the poor qualification of the health workers involved in the assistance given.