Spatial and temporal distribution of neglected tropical diseases: overlap analysis, Piauí, 2013-2022

To analyze the temporal trends and spatial distribution of overlapping neglected tropical diseases in Piauí state between 2013 and 2022.

This was an ecological, quantitative and analytical time-series study of cases of Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, leprosy and tuberculosis in Piauí during this period. We used data provided by the Piauí State Health Department, taken from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System, and population data available from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Sociodemographic variables were investigated, and incidence, prevalence, absolute and relative frequencies were calculated, in addition to temporal trend analyses using the Prais-Winsten regression model, with annual percentage change (APV) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Between 2013 and 2022, 24,234 cases of these diseases were recorded in Piauí, with emphasis on leprosy (46.2%) and tuberculosis (37.4%). Males were the most affected (60.6%), as was the 20-59 years age group (62.5%). Visceral leishmaniasis prevalence was high in children (33.0%). The temporal trend indicated a reduction in the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis (APC -12.26%; 95%CI -17.49; -6.71) and leprosy (APC -5.67%; 95%CI -9.47; -1.72), as well as an increase in Chagas disease (APC 19.3%; 95%CI 5.09; 35.43) and tuberculosis (APC 2.2%; 95%CI 0.59; 3.84). The spatial analysis indicated that 25% of the municipalities presented overlapping prevalence of at least three diseases, with emphasis on the Entre Rios, Vale do Rio Guaribas and Cocais regions.

Differentiated patterns of occurrence were observed, especially for leprosy and tuberculosis, as were significant variations between health regions, and an increasing trend for two diseases.