02166nas a2200193   4500000000100000008004100001260002400042653005700066100001600123700001300139700002200152700001400174245012400188856006100312300000900373490000700382520155800389022002501947       2024                            d  bFapUNIFESP (SciELO)10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health1 aSantos GMCD1 aByrne RL1 aCubas-Atienzar AI1 aSantos VS00aFactors associated with delayed diagnosis of leprosy in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study  uhttps://www.scielosp.org/pdf/csp/2024.v40n1/e00113123/en  a1-130 v403 a<p>This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the individual and the health system that contribute to delayed diagnosis of leprosy in an endemic area in the Northeastern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study of 120 individuals with leprosy. Demographic and clinical data and information on the factors related to the individual and the health system that contribute to delayed diagnosis of leprosy were obtained. Delayed diagnosis in months was estimated for each participant by interviews. A multivariate Poisson’s regression analysis was performed between the outcome and the independent variables. The median delay in the diagnosis of leprosy was 10.5 (4.0-24.0) months. Approximately 12.6% of participants had grade 2 disability (G2D) at the time of diagnosis. In the multivariate Poisson regression analysis, males, older age, low schooling level, residing in urban areas, multibacellar or tuberculoid leprosy, not seeking healthcare immediately after symptom onset, suspected leprosy, excessive referrals, and the need for three or more consultations to confirm the diagnosis were associated with longer diagnostic delay. This study found a significant delay in the diagnosis of leprosy in Arapiraca, Northeastern Brazil, which may explain the continuously high rate of G2D among new cases. Factors related to the individual and the health system were associated with longer diagnostic delay. Interventions to raise awareness of the disease among the general population and strengthen primary health care are urgently needed.</p>
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