Tuberculosis persists as a serious public health problem in Brazil. Prevalence rates are alarming in certain social groups, including indigenous peoples. This article presents an epidemiological analysis of records in the Rondonia State Tuberculosis Control Program, identifying the disease's profile among indigenous groups, which are socially more vulnerable and have different issues involved in controlling the disease. The study includes a descriptive statistical and multivariate multinomial analysis of cases reported in 1992 and from 1994 to 1998, attempting to identify factors associated with tuberculosis-related deaths, treatment drop-out, and missing data. Associations were identified between variables related to the disease, to the health service, and to treatment results. There is evidence that the indigenous populations in Rondonia have an increased risk of acquiring and dying from tuberculosis as compared to other residents of the State. Attention is called to the need for prevention and control measures specifically tailored to the reality of indigenous peoples.
Health Services; Epidemiology; Tuberculosis; BCG; South American Indians
