Male sex is associated with a higher risk of multibacillary leprosy and leprosy-associated disability in northeast Brazil

• DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traf048
• Publication Date: 2025-04-24T10:38:03Z
• Authors: Julia S Barreto; Rodrigo A Cazzaniga; Márcio Bezerra-Sa...; Lenise F Albuquerque; Daniela T de Oliv...; Jonnia Maria S Ar...; Angela M da Silva; Camilla Natália O...; Amelia R de Jesus; Lucas S Magalhães

Leprosy remains a significant public health challenge despite diagnostic advances. This cross-sectional study evaluated the social and clinical characteristics of 302 patients treated at reference outpatient clinic in northeastern Brazil (2010-2019). Men more frequently presented with multibacillary disease disabilities than women. These men were associated higher rates alcohol consumption hunting. No evidence was found for an association between delays severity. underscores that determinants may contribute to worse outcomes men, highlighting need targeted policies.