Introduction

Physical disability, which has negative impacts on the lives of individuals, is the main problem arising from leprosy. The aim of this study was to analyze some socio-demographic factors associated with the occurrence of physical disability in new cases of leprosy.

Materials and Methods

Cross-sectional and analytical study, the sample of which consisted of 323 medical records of patients diagnosed in a Leprosy Reference Unit in the State of Pará-Brazil during the period 2005-2014. The Prevalence Ratio (PR) estimation was used to verify the strength of association between the variables.

Results

The percentage of Grade 1 and 2 physical disabilities was 28.1% and the socio-demographic factors associated with their onset were: male (PR 2.0); age 15 and over (PR= 2.2); basic education (PR = 1.3); from the backcountry or another state (PR = 1.2); and income of up to 3 minimum wages (PR = 5.7).

Discussion

We observe a greater exposure but less prevention in men; the chronic and progressive nature of the pathology; schooling may be a protective factor; difficulties and barriers for the decentralization of health care, which shows that populations with lower purchasing power are more vulnerable to disease and disability.

Conclusions

There is a need to increase investment in the health and education sectors, with a view to minimizing social inequalities.

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