Factors associated with activity limitation in new leprosy cases in a hyperendemic municipality in the Northeast, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Background: Leprosy is a neglected, chronic and infectious tropical disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It presents with skin and peripheral nerves alterations, responsible for irreversible physical disabilities. Brazil is one of the main countries endemic for the disease, persisting as a public health problem; its position is the first in the world in terms of prevalence coefficient. Objectives: To analyze the magnitude and factors associated with activity limitation in new leprosy cases diagnosed in the reference center in northeastern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in a reference center located in the municipality of Juazeiro - Bahia, between January and June 2018, involving 50 people diagnosed with leprosy. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were collected in addition to the application of the SALSA scale (Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness) for the analysis of functional limitation. The data were structured using Microsoft Excel software and, for analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows was used. Logistic regression was used with the calculation of the Odds Ratio to identify the factors associated with functional limitation. A 95% confidence interval and a 5% significance level were adopted. Results: The presence of functional limitations was registered in 32% (n = 16) of the cases analyzed, especially female (56.3%), elderly (37.5%), low education (87.6%), dimorphic form (62.5%), multibacillary classification (75.0%) and degree 2 of physical disability (50.0%). Functional limitation was associated with: age group ≥ 45 years (OR 3.80; p = 0.047), multibacillary age (OR 4.28; p = 0.021) and OMP score ≥ 6 (OR 4.69; p = 0.041). 75% of individuals with limitations were aged ≥ 45 years and were multibacillary. Conclusions: The factors associated with functional limitation were age equal to or greater than 45 years, multibacillary classification and OMP score greater than or equal to six. Early diagnosis and timely treatment in the routine of health services can contribute to the prevention of physical disability and functional limitations.