Trend and epidemiological characterization of tuberculosis in Alagoas from 2007 to 2016

Abstract

Background

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Objective

To analyze the trend and the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis cases registered in the state of Alagoas from 2007 to 2016.

Method

This is a descriptive study involving all cases of tuberculosis registered in Alagoas between 2007 and 2016. Initially, it analyzed the incidence rate trend using the joinpoint regression model. For the analysis of epidemiological characteristics, the variables: race, gender, age group, education, disease classification, type of entry, 1st and 2nd smear microscopy, sputum culture, HIV testing were selected.

Results

The average incidence rate for the period was 33.43 per 100,000 populations, with a statistically significant reduction trend (APC: -2.97%). There was a predominance of males (62.98%), brown ethnicity (65.20%), age between 25 and 54 years (60.35%) and incomplete primary schooling (35.17%). Regarding the clinical aspects, 86.32% of the individuals presented the pulmonary form. HIV serology was not performed in 41.58% of cases. As for evolution, 67.42% evolved with cure and 12.52% were terminated as treatment abandonment.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis still represents an important public health problem in Alagoas, signaling the need for public policies that provide early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Keywords:
tuberculosis; epidemiology; public health surveillance; epidemiological monitoring; health profile