Temporal trend of tuberculosis in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge globally and in Brazil.
• Understanding temporal trends in TB incidence is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the temporal trends of tuberculosis incidence rates in Brazilian states and regions from 2001 to 2017.
• To identify patterns and inequalities in TB incidence across different geographical areas in Brazil.

Main Methods:

• Ecological study design analyzing TB incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants (aged 20-59).
• Utilized joinpoint regression to determine annual percentage change in incidence rates.
• Data analyzed for Brazil, its regions, and individual states between 2001 and 2017.

Main Results:

• Brazil exhibited an average annual percentage change of -1.8% in TB incidence.
• Significant decreasing trends were observed in specific states like Roraima (-15.1% between 2003-2007) and Paraná (-3.7%).
• Regional disparities were noted, with some Northeastern states showing decreasing trends and others not, highlighting intra-regional variations.

Conclusions:

• A general decline in tuberculosis incidence was observed in Brazil.
• Significant regional and intra-regional differences in TB incidence trends necessitate tailored public health interventions.
• Analysis of TB incidence trends can inform the planning and implementation of national TB control policies.