Cluster Analysis of Factors Associated with Leishmaniasis in Peru

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the factors associated with leishmaniasis in Peru, according to the cluster classification in the period 2017–2021. Methods: Quantitative approach, with an ecological, descriptive correlational, and cross-sectional design. The population was from the geographical region of Peru, where a total of 26,956 cases of leishmaniasis were registered by the Peruvian Ministry of Health from 2017 to 2021. Spearman’s Rho statistic was used to analyze the variables that are most associated with the cases of leishmaniasis reported per year, and, in addition, the multivariate technique of cluster analysis was applied. Results: Annual rainfall and areas with humid forest (climatic factors) and mortality from transmissible diseases (health factor) are directly associated with reported cases of leishmaniasis. Households with basic access to infrastructure, drinking water, drainage, and electric lighting; illiteracy, regional social progress, and unsatisfied basic needs (social factors); and percentage of urban population (demographic factor) are inversely and significantly associated with cases of leishmaniasis. Conclusions: Climatic and environmental factors contribute to the multiplication of the leishmaniasis disease vector. The incidence of leishmaniasis adds up to the mortality rates for transmissible diseases in Peru. As living conditions improve, the incidence of this pathology decreases.