TUBERCULOSIS IN BRAZIL: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HOSPITALIZATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in a significant burden on healthcare systems and communities. During the pandemic, many healthcare systems redirected resources and personnel to address the COVID-19 response, leading to the interruption or reduction of healthcare services for other diseases, including tuberculosis. This resulted in delays in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis hospitalizations in Brazil from 2019 to 2023, according to age, gender, age group, and comorbidities. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative and quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study of epidemiological data on tuberculosis hospitalizations in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2023. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Unified Health System Information System (DATASUS). RESULTS: A total of 50,398 tuberculosis hospitalizations were reported, with the highest incidence in 2023, with (n=11898) 23.6%, and the lowest incidence in 2021 with (n=8843) 17.5%. The most affected region was the Southeast region with (n=22560) 44.7% of cases, and the least affected was the Midwest region with (n=2877) 5.7% of cases. The highest prevalence was in young adults aged 20 to 49 years (n=21378) 42.4%, and the lowest prevalence was in childhood and early adolescence aged 1-14 years, with (n=1219) 2.4%. Furthermore, males were the most affected in all years. Regarding race/ethnicity, pardos (mixed-race) represented the majority (n=22716) 45%, followed by whites (n=12524) with 24%, blacks (n=4719) 9.3%, yellows (n=1011) 2%, and indigenous (n=284) 0.5%. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis is a public health problem in Brazil, predominantly in the Southeast region, affecting more young adult males of mixed race. Tuberculosis hospitalizations were more frequent in the year 2023. These findings underscore the importance of strategies to ensure continuous access to healthcare services for tuberculosis patients even during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.