Abstract

VIERTEL, Ilse Lisiane; AMORIM, Luciana  and  PIAZZA, Udson. Non-neonatal tetanus in Santa Catarina State, Brazil: epidemiological aspects. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2005, vol.14, n.1, pp.33-40. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742005000100004.

The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile of non-neonatal tetanus (non-NNT) reported to the Secretary of Health of Santa Catarina State (SES/SC) from 1996 to 1999, identifying some variables associated with tetanus incidence and mortality. Data were collected from epidemiological investigation forms of cases notified to the Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance/SES/SC through the Information System for Notifiable Diseases of the National Unified Health System (Sinan-SUS) during the 1996-1999 period. Various analyses were realized using Epi Info 6.0 software. The variables investigated included age, sex, occupation, area, health district, wound recognition, type of wound, place of wound, and outcome. Non-NNT in Santa Catarina State occurred in the study period showing a decreased incidence, however mortality was concentrated among individuals aged 50 years and over. Regarding other variables studied, a higher incidence of non-NNT was observed among males, except in persons aged 70 years and over, in which 64% of cases occurred in women. In terms of occupation, the highest incidence was observed among housewives, retired persons, and agriculturists. The authors recommend further studies to identify the impact of the tetanus vaccination campaign on the population aged 60 and over, and implementation of proper prevention and treatment of injuries, as well as restructuring the treatment units in order to lower non-NNT-related mortality.

Keywords : tetanus; epidemiological surveillance; indicators; mortality.

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