ANALYSIS OF HOSPITAL MORBIDITY RATES AND EXPENDITURES ASSOCIATED WITH LEISHMANIASIS IN MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL (2013-2023)

Abstract

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease, with diverse clinical forms and a significant impact on global public health. In Brazil, especially in the state of Minas Gerais, there is a growing concern about hospital morbidity and associated costs.  These diseases, caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, manifest themselves in different ways, from skin lesions to severe visceral infections. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between hospital morbidity rates due to leishmaniasis and spending on this disease in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2013 and 2023. This study aims to provide a detailed understanding of the economic and public health burden of leishmaniasis in the region. Method: Ecological and retrospective study with analysis of secondary data obtained from DataSus. Hospital morbidity rates due to leishmaniasis and expenditures were normalized to 100 thousand inhabitants. Spearman's correlation analyses and comparisons of annual fluctuations with the paired T-test were performed. Results: Hospital morbidity rates and leishmaniasis expenditures in Minas Gerais showed notable peaks, especially in 2017, followed by declines and subsequent increases. There was a significant positive correlation (rho = 0.64; p<0.05) between hospital morbidity rates and expenditures, evidencing a direct relationship between the increase in cases and costs. These results suggest that leishmaniasis outbreaks are associated with substantial increases in public health costs. Conclusion: The study reveals the impact of leishmaniasis on public health in Minas Gerais, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to control the disease and reduce associated costs. Continuous monitoring and efficient resource allocation are crucial to improving the bottom line.