Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Physical Disability in Leprosy in a Reference Center in the North of Brazil

Leprosy is the main infectious cause of disability and peripheral neuropathy in the world. Due to its increasing prevalence in northern Brazil, it is crucial to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of physical disability in persons affected by this disease. This study aimed to describe leprosy-related disabilities and analyze their association with clinical and epidemiological factors. The sociodemographic and clinical data of 174 new patients diagnosed in a hospital in the state of Tocantins were collected. The chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used, and the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (p≤0.05). Patients within the 30–59-year age group, aged ≥60 years, those who were retired, and whose who were rural workers were more likely to present disabilities. Multibacillary, lepromatous, and primary neural forms; those presenting with multiple skin lesions, had no reaction, and exhibited neuropathy over two nerves, were associated with disabilities. The study found a high risk of disabilities in older patients and in individuals with the primary neural form of leprosy. An early diagnosis of leprosy, the constant training of health professionals about the disease, and the continuous monitoring of neurological symptoms can prevent and/or mitigate disabilities caused by leprosy. Key words: Physical disability. Mycobacterium leprae. Neuropathy.