Treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients in Brazilian prisons: a polytomous regression analysis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem and an important cause of infectious disease-related death in young adults. TB rates are higher in vulnerable populations, including prisoners.

To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with anti-tuberculosis treatment outcomes in the Brazilian prison population.

The study population consisted of prisoners diagnosed with TB identified through the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Information System for Notifiable Diseases) between January 2007 and December 2011. Pearson's χ(2) test was used to compare the proportions and covariates associated with the outcome of interest. These variables were further analysed using the polytomous regression model.

Compared to those who completed anti-tuberculosis treatment, prisoners who defaulted from treatment were younger (P < 0.001), less educated (P < 0.001) and more likely to be alcoholic (P < 0.001); they were more likely to have recurrent or relapse TB (P < 0.001) and they were not under directly observed treatment (P < 0.001). Those who died from TB tended to be older (P < 0.001) and alcoholic (P < 0.001); they were also more likely to have received treatment of unknown type (P < 0.001) and to have both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB). Prisoners who developed multidrug-resistant TB were more likely to experience TB recurrence, return to treatment after default, change treatment centres and have EPTB.

Our results highlight the need to improve TB control and policies in correctional facilities. Improving treatment outcomes of prisoners will also prevent transmission to other prisoners, their family members, and health professionals.