With the intention of improve knowledge on the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis (TB) among vulnerable populations in Brazil, our objective was to analyze sociodemographic characteristics and operational indicators related to TB control, comparing indigenous and non-indigenous people, in Rondônia. We conducted a retrospective and descriptive epidemiological study of new TB cases reported between 1997, January 1st and 2006, December 31st. We excluded duplicate records and those for whom the results of treatment was change in diagnosis and transfer. TB cases were classified into two categories: indigenous and non-indigenous people and analysis was performed according to sex, age, origin (urban /rural), State of residence, clinical form, diagnostic tests, monitoring indicators and results of treatment. Altogether 4832 cases were reported, with 322 cases (6.7%) in indigenous people. There was a male predominance (ratios: 1.7 to 1.3 in non-indigenous and indigenous people). The majority of cases for indigenous people (82.6%) was in rural area and there was high concentration of cases (36.0%) in children < 15 years. The analysis of diagnostic tests showed a predominance of smear positive in non-indigenous (56.1%) and smear negative and smear not performed in indigenous people (31.7% and 35.4% respectively, P value=0.0001). There was difference in the monitoring in relation to smear of second month (6.1% positivity, P value = 0.0001) and exam at least one contact (69.6%, P value = 0.017) for non-indigenous. On the other hand, DOTS was more associated with indigenous people cases (23.6%, P value = 0.0001). Stands out the predominance of cure in both groups, with bigger concentration in indigenous people (90.4%, P value = 0.0001) and higher rate of noncompliance in non-indigenous (14.7%, P value = 0.0001). The approach showed useful for elucidate inequalities and has exceeded the usual analysis carried out surveillance on services that aim to delineate the epidemiological situation based only on rates or absolute values.
Tuberculosis; Health surveillance; South American Indians; Epidemiology; Health services evaluation; Health Information Systems; Indigenous populations
