NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES IN THE STATE OF TOCANTINS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND HEALTH INDICATORS

Abstract

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a set of infectious diseases that mainly affect vulnerable populations in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of the most prevalent NTDs in the state of Tocantins, between 2013 and 2022. This is an epidemiological, descriptive, quantitative and retrospective study. Data from notifications of dengue, leprosy, tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis, tuberculosis available in the Notifiable Disease Information System (SINAN) linked to the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) were used. The variables analyzed provided information on the epidemiological profile (gender, age group, color/race, and education) and health indicators (incidence and prevalence) by health regions of Tocantins. The study revealed that, among the most prevalent NTDs (dengue, leprosy, tuberculosis, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis), dengue and leprosy were the most frequent, reflecting trends observed in other regions of Brazil. Dengue was more prevalent among women, while diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis and leishmaniasis affected more men. The 20 to 39 age group was prevalent for dengue, tegumentary leishmaniasis and tuberculosis, while in leprosy it was 40 to 59 years and visceral leishmaniasis in children 1 to 9 years of age. The self-declared brown race was the predominant race in all the diseases analyzed. Regarding education, dengue affected more individuals with high school education and the other diseases were in individuals with elementary education. Regarding spatiality, the health regions with the highest incidence rates in the period evaluated were Capim Dourado, Ilha do Bananal and Cantão and it was related to dengue. NTDs continue to be a challenge for public health, with a complex spatio-temporal evolution. The approach to the control of these diseases must be multifactorial, interdisciplinary and regional, prioritizing equity in access to health care and the improvement of the living conditions of affected populations. Continuous monitoring and prevention are crucial to effectively combat NTDs and improve the quality of life of Tocantins communities.