Abstract: Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed leprosy cases in Nanchong City from 2010 to 2023 and provide a basis for scientific prevention and control of leprosy. Methods: The data of newly diagnosed leprosy patients in Nanchong City from 2010 to 2023 were collected. The three - dimensional distribution and characteristics of newly diagnosed leprosy cases in Nanchong City were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods. Results: From 2010 to 2023, there were 45 newly diagnosed leprosy cases in Nanchong City, with an average annual new-detection rate of 0.05/10⁵. The overall new-detection rate of leprosy in Nanchong City showed a downward trend in the 14-year period, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -51.23% (t=-2.79, P＜0.05). The male-to-female ratio was 2∶1, and the majority were farmers (73.33%). The cases were mainly concentrated in the 40-59 age group (44.44%). Except for Jialing District and Xichong County, there were newly diagnosed leprosy cases in the other 7 counties (cities, districts). The top three regions were Langzhong City, Nanbu County, and Yingshan County, accounting for 66.67% of the city's total. The main way of detection was through dermatology clinic visits (60%). There were 26 delayed cases, with an average delay time of 86.88 months. The majority of cases were of the multibacillary type (97.78%), and the proportion of grade 2 disabilities was 31.11% in the 14-year period. The source of infection was from within the family in 28.89% of cases, and unknown in 71.11% of cases. There was a negative correlation between educational level and diagnostic delay time (r=-0.36, P＜0.05), and a positive correlation between disability status and diagnostic time (r=0.54, P＜0.05). Conclusion: The leprosy epidemic in Nanchong City is at a low-prevalence level, mainly affecting males, middle-aged people, and farmers. The main way of detection is passive, and the proportion of delayed detection is relatively high.

Key words: leprosy, epidemiological characteristics