ABSTRACT Background: To analyze the temporal evolution of research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) published by the Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine (JBSTM). Methods: We performed an analysis of the scientific production in JBSTM on NTDs using an advanced search, which included authors’ descriptors, title, and abstract, and by combining specific terms for each NTDs from 1991 to 2021. Data related to authors, countries of origin, institutions, and descriptors, were evaluated and analyzed over time. Bibliographic networks were constructed using VOSviewer 1.6.16. Results: The JBSTM published 4,268 scientific papers during this period. Of these 1,849 (43.3%) were related to NTDs. The number of publications on NTDs increased by approximately 2.4-fold, from 352 (total 724) during 1991-2000 to 841 (total 2,128) during 2011-2021, despite the proportional reduction (48.6% versus 39.5%). The most common singular NTDs subject of publications included Chagas disease (31.4%; 581/1,849), leishmaniasis (25.5%, 411/1,849), dengue (9.4%, 174/1,849), schistosomiasis (9.0%; 166/1,849), and leprosy (6.5%, 120/1,849), with authorship mostly from Brazil’s South and Southeast regions. Conclusions: Despite the proportional reduction in publications, JBSTM remains an important vehicle for disseminating research on NTDs during this period. There is a need to strengthen the research and subsequent publications on specific NTDs. Institutions working and publishing on NTDs in the country were concentrated in the South and Southeast regions, requiring additional investments in institutions in other regions of the country.

ABSTRACT Background: To analyze the epidemiology, surveillance, and control strategies for trachoma in the state of Ceará, northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2021. Methods: This ecological study was based on secondary data from the Information System on Notifiable Diseases of the Secretary of Health of the state of Ceará. Data from school and home surveys for trachoma detection obtained during the study period were analyzed, the percentage of positivity was estimated, and sociodemographic and clinico-epidemiological factors were investigated. Results: The coverage of trachoma surveillance and control actions in Ceará municipalities increased from 12.5% in 2007 to 55.9% in 2019, but with an average restriction of 8.0% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated trachoma positivity (mean overall positivity) was less than 5.0% (2.76%, 95% CI 1.2-5.2), with a higher proportion of cases in the 5-9-year age group (45.0%, 95% CI 44.6-45.4), in females (53.2%, 95% CI 52.8-53.6), and rural areas (52.6%, 95% CI 52.2-53.0). Positivity above 10.0% was observed in the Litoral Leste/Jaguaribe and Sertão Central regions, with a higher occurrence of the follicular inflammatory clinical form (98.1%, 95% CI 98.0-98.2). Conclusions: Trachoma remains in the state of Ceará and is likely underreported. Despite recent advances, the fragility of health surveillance activities compromises the recognition of the actual magnitude and distribution of trachoma in the state. Accurate information is fundamental for planning, monitoring, and evaluating surveillance and disease control.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o perfil cienciométrico das pesquisas sobre tracoma no Brasil. MÉTODOS Pesquisa bibliográfica de publicações sobre tracoma no Brasil indexadas pela base de dados da Scopus, a partir de critérios específicos no período de 2000 a 2020. Foram extraídos e analisados dados sobre autoria, país de origem, instituições e descritores, com análises de tendências temporais. As redes bibliográficas foram construídas via software de visualização cienciométrica VOSviewer® 1.6.16. RESULTADOS Do total de 42 publicações analisadas sobre tracoma no Brasil, observou-se média anual de dois artigos, com incremento de aproximadamente 50% no período. Verificou-se média de três autores por documento e os inquéritos escolares foram a categoria de assunto mais comum. Os artigos publicados provêm majoritariamente de instituições brasileiras (95,2%), principalmente das sediadas nas regiões Sudeste e Norte. Dez autores mais produtivos estão mencionados nas primeiras autorias em 26,2% (11/42) das publicações e as instituições predominantes estão afiliadas ao estado de São Paulo. O termo Trachoma (n = 18) apresenta maior recorrência como descritor. CONCLUSÃO Esta primeira análise cienciométrica sobre tracoma no Brasil evidencia limitado número de pesquisas sobre essa doença. Há discreto incremento da produção científica, apesar da concentração da origem em áreas geográficas com menor endemicidade da doença. Maiores investimentos são necessários para o melhor entendimento e controle dessa doença tropical negligenciada. A análise da produção bibliográfica tem papel relevante para fortalecimento do desenvolvimento de pesquisas e planejamento estratégico de programas para o controle de tracoma e doenças tropicais negligenciadas em geral.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the scientometric profile of research on trachoma in Brazil. METHODS Bibliographic research of publications on trachoma in Brazil indexed by the Scopus database from 2000 to 2020, based on specific criteria. Data on authorship, country of origin, institutions, and keywords were collected and analyzed with analysis of time trends. Bibliographic networks were constructed via a scientometric visualization software—VOSviewer® 1.6.16. RESULTS We analyzed 42 publications on trachoma in Brazil. The annual average was two articles, with an increase of about 50% during the period. The average number of authors was three per document and school surveys were the most common subject category. Most published articles came from Brazilian institutions (95.2%), mainly those based in Southeast and North Brazil. Of the most productive authors, 10 were mentioned as first author in 26.2% of publications (11/42) and the predominant institutions are based in the state of São Paulo. The term “trachoma” (n = 18) was the most recurrent keyword. CONCLUSION This first scientometric analysis of research on trachoma in Brazil showed a limited number of studies on this disease. The scientific production slightly increased, although the origin of many studies is geographical areas with lower endemicity of this disease. Greater investments are needed for a better understanding and control of this neglected tropical disease. The analysis of bibliographic production on this topic is important to strengthen the development of research and strategic planning of programs for the control of trachoma and neglected tropical diseases in general.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the scientometric profile of research on trachoma in Brazil. METHODS Bibliographic research of publications on trachoma in Brazil indexed by the Scopus database from 2000 to 2020, based on specific criteria. Data on authorship, country of origin, institutions, and keywords were collected and analyzed with analysis of time trends. Bibliographic networks were constructed via a scientometric visualization software—VOSviewer® 1.6.16. RESULTS We analyzed 42 publications on trachoma in Brazil. The annual average was two articles, with an increase of about 50% during the period. The average number of authors was three per document and school surveys were the most common subject category. Most published articles came from Brazilian institutions (95.2%), mainly those based in Southeast and North Brazil. Of the most productive authors, 10 were mentioned as first author in 26.2% of publications (11/42) and the predominant institutions are based in the state of São Paulo. The term “trachoma” (n = 18) was the most recurrent keyword. CONCLUSION This first scientometric analysis of research on trachoma in Brazil showed a limited number of studies on this disease. The scientific production slightly increased, although the origin of many studies is geographical areas with lower endemicity of this disease. Greater investments are needed for a better understanding and control of this neglected tropical disease. The analysis of bibliographic production on this topic is important to strengthen the development of research and strategic planning of programs for the control of trachoma and neglected tropical diseases in general.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o perfil cienciométrico das pesquisas sobre tracoma no Brasil. MÉTODOS Pesquisa bibliográfica de publicações sobre tracoma no Brasil indexadas pela base de dados da Scopus, a partir de critérios específicos no período de 2000 a 2020. Foram extraídos e analisados dados sobre autoria, país de origem, instituições e descritores, com análises de tendências temporais. As redes bibliográficas foram construídas via software de visualização cienciométrica VOSviewer® 1.6.16. RESULTADOS Do total de 42 publicações analisadas sobre tracoma no Brasil, observou-se média anual de dois artigos, com incremento de aproximadamente 50% no período. Verificou-se média de três autores por documento e os inquéritos escolares foram a categoria de assunto mais comum. Os artigos publicados provêm majoritariamente de instituições brasileiras (95,2%), principalmente das sediadas nas regiões Sudeste e Norte. Dez autores mais produtivos estão mencionados nas primeiras autorias em 26,2% (11/42) das publicações e as instituições predominantes estão afiliadas ao estado de São Paulo. O termo Trachoma (n = 18) apresenta maior recorrência como descritor. CONCLUSÃO Esta primeira análise cienciométrica sobre tracoma no Brasil evidencia limitado número de pesquisas sobre essa doença. Há discreto incremento da produção científica, apesar da concentração da origem em áreas geográficas com menor endemicidade da doença. Maiores investimentos são necessários para o melhor entendimento e controle dessa doença tropical negligenciada. A análise da produção bibliográfica tem papel relevante para fortalecimento do desenvolvimento de pesquisas e planejamento estratégico de programas para o controle de tracoma e doenças tropicais negligenciadas em geral.

RESUMO: Introdução: O tracoma mantém-se como problema de saúde pública e importante causa de morbidade, deficiência visual e cegueira evitável no Brasil. Objetivo: Analisar fatores associados ao tratamento e ao controle do tratamento do tracoma em escolares diagnosticados durante Campanha Nacional de Hanseníase, Verminoses, Tracoma e Esquistossomose, em 2014, no município de Russas, Ceará. Metodologia: Estudo transversal desenvolvido de janeiro a abril de 2016. Foram coletados dados sociais, demográficos, econômicos e de acompanhamento pela atenção básica de 390 escolares de 5 a 14 anos de idade diagnosticados com tracoma, na campanha em 2014. Definiram-se as variáveis dependentes: tratamento do tracoma e controle do tratamento do tracoma, categorizadas em adequado e inadequado, realizando-se análises bi e multivariada. Resultados: O tratamento foi considerado adequado em 56,7% dos escolares, e em apenas 5,9% o controle do tratamento foi classificado como adequado. Na análise multivariada, mantiveram associação com o desfecho tratamento do tracoma as variáveis zona de residência rural e destino dos dejetos em rede não pública. O desfecho controle do tratamento do tracoma permaneceu associado às variáveis: zona de residência rural, renda familiar menor que um salário mínimo e escolar não examinado pelo médico. Conclusão: O tratamento e controle do tratamento inadequados do tracoma mostraram associação com variáveis socioeconômicas e de acompanhamento pela atenção básica. As atividades de educação em saúde não foram acessíveis a toda a comunidade, indicando a necessidade de maior envolvimento dos profissionais da atenção básica.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Trachoma maintains itself as a public health problem and an important cause of morbidity, visual impairment and preventable blindness in Brazil. Objective: To analyze factors associated with treatment and control of trachoma treatment in schoolchildren diagnosed during the national campaign in 2014, in the town of Russas, Ceará. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was brought out from January to April 2016. Social, demographic, economic and follow-up data were collected for 390 schoolchildren aged five to 14 years old, diagnosed with trachoma in the campaign in 2014. They were defined dependent variables: trachoma treatment and control of trachoma disease, categorized as adequate and inadequate, and multivariate analyzes were performed. Results: Treatment was considered adequate in 56.7% of schoolchildren and in only 5.9% treatment control was classified as adequate. In the multivariate analysis, they have got an association with the trachoma treatment result: rural residence zone and waste destination in a non-public space. The last control of the treatment of trachoma remained associated to the variables: rural residence zone; family income less than a minimum wage and school not examined by the physician. Conclusion: Inadequate treatment and control of trachoma treatment showed an association with socioeconomic variables and follow-up of primary care. Health education activities were not accessible to the entire community, indicating the need for more involvement by primary care professionals.

RESUMO: Introdução: O tracoma mantém-se como problema de saúde pública e importante causa de morbidade, deficiência visual e cegueira evitável no Brasil. Objetivo: Analisar fatores associados ao tratamento e ao controle do tratamento do tracoma em escolares diagnosticados durante Campanha Nacional de Hanseníase, Verminoses, Tracoma e Esquistossomose, em 2014, no município de Russas, Ceará. Metodologia: Estudo transversal desenvolvido de janeiro a abril de 2016. Foram coletados dados sociais, demográficos, econômicos e de acompanhamento pela atenção básica de 390 escolares de 5 a 14 anos de idade diagnosticados com tracoma, na campanha em 2014. Definiram-se as variáveis dependentes: tratamento do tracoma e controle do tratamento do tracoma, categorizadas em adequado e inadequado, realizando-se análises bi e multivariada. Resultados: O tratamento foi considerado adequado em 56,7% dos escolares, e em apenas 5,9% o controle do tratamento foi classificado como adequado. Na análise multivariada, mantiveram associação com o desfecho tratamento do tracoma as variáveis zona de residência rural e destino dos dejetos em rede não pública. O desfecho controle do tratamento do tracoma permaneceu associado às variáveis: zona de residência rural, renda familiar menor que um salário mínimo e escolar não examinado pelo médico. Conclusão: O tratamento e controle do tratamento inadequados do tracoma mostraram associação com variáveis socioeconômicas e de acompanhamento pela atenção básica. As atividades de educação em saúde não foram acessíveis a toda a comunidade, indicando a necessidade de maior envolvimento dos profissionais da atenção básica.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Trachoma maintains itself as a public health problem and an important cause of morbidity, visual impairment and preventable blindness in Brazil. Objective: To analyze factors associated with treatment and control of trachoma treatment in schoolchildren diagnosed during the national campaign in 2014, in the town of Russas, Ceará. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was brought out from January to April 2016. Social, demographic, economic and follow-up data were collected for 390 schoolchildren aged five to 14 years old, diagnosed with trachoma in the campaign in 2014. They were defined dependent variables: trachoma treatment and control of trachoma disease, categorized as adequate and inadequate, and multivariate analyzes were performed. Results: Treatment was considered adequate in 56.7% of schoolchildren and in only 5.9% treatment control was classified as adequate. In the multivariate analysis, they have got an association with the trachoma treatment result: rural residence zone and waste destination in a non-public space. The last control of the treatment of trachoma remained associated to the variables: rural residence zone; family income less than a minimum wage and school not examined by the physician. Conclusion: Inadequate treatment and control of trachoma treatment showed an association with socioeconomic variables and follow-up of primary care. Health education activities were not accessible to the entire community, indicating the need for more involvement by primary care professionals.