Geographical distribution and spatial autocorrelation of newborns with orofacial clefts: an epidemiological study, Paraná, 2018-2022.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the geographical distribution and spatial autocorrelation of cases of orofacial clefts in newborns in Paraná.

METHODS

This study employed epidemiological methods using data from the Live Birth Information System for the years 2018-2022. The rates were obtained by dividing the number of live births with orofacial clefts by the total number of births in each year and city, and then multiplying by 1,000. The Global Moran's I was calculated, and spatial autocorrelation was assessed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 574 cases of newborns with orofacial clefts were analyzed, distributed across 163 cities in Paraná. The rates ranged from 0.00 to 2.44 cases per 1,000 live births. High-high clusters were present in Londrina, Cornélio Procópio/Bandeirantes, Ivaiporã, Cascavel, Foz do Iguaçu, Francisco Beltrão, Dois Vizinhos, Laranjeiras do Sul/Quedas do Iguaçu, Pato Branco, Guarapuava, and Paranaguá, with rates ranging from 1.10 to 2.44 cases per 1,000 live births.

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted the spatial heterogeneity of newborn cases with orofacial clefts in Paraná, underscoring the need to investigate the causes of orofacial clefts, which will contribute to preventing new cases and enhancing public health actions.