PANORAMA EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DA TUBERCULOSE NO BRASIL

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and specific mortality rates of tuberculosis in Brazil in the general population, correlating rates by sex and region. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study with a cross-sectional design, whose data were secondary and extracted from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Results: The prevalence rates in Brazil did not change significantly between 2008 and 2015. In relation to the number of deaths due to tuberculosis, there was a slight reduction in the country, especially in the Northern region, which was contrary to the national average. Regarding gender, the disease is more prevalent in males, with values above of the double of cases in the country. Conclusion: Despite the reduction of tuberculosis cases in the country in the analyzed period, the disease stills a challenge to public health. The present study highlights the importance of working the issue and involvements that have conquered space in the scenario of this disease. Although there is already drug therapy for tuberculosis, the development of public policies for the effective fight against the disease and for the adequate care of the patients should be intensified. The follow-up and correct management of tuberculosis treatment must prevail in the health scenario, aiming to reduce the significant numbers of abandonment to therapy.

Keywords

• Tuberculosis
• Epidemiology
• Mycobacterium