Quality of tuberculosis information systems after record linkage

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Information Systems

Background:

• Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge globally and in Brazil.
• Effective disease surveillance relies on robust information systems for accurate case detection and trend analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the quality of a tuberculosis (TB) notification information system in Sergipe, Brazil.
• To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of TB cases and deaths within the state.

Main Methods:

• An ecological study was conducted from 2006 to 2016 in Sergipe, Brazil.
• Deterministic record linkage was performed between the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and the Mortality Information System (SIM).
• Temporal trends in TB incidence were calculated.

Main Results:

• Record linkage identified 7,873 TB cases and 483 deaths.
• An increasing trend in TB incidence was observed.
• Higher incidence rates were noted among men, individuals over 60, those with higher education, and indigenous populations.
• A concentration of TB deaths was found in the metropolitan region.

Conclusions:

• The TB information system in Sergipe exhibits limitations in accurately identifying cases and deaths.
• The study highlights an increasing trend in TB incidence and identifies specific demographic groups at higher risk.
• Spatial analysis revealed a concentration of TB deaths in the metropolitan area, indicating a need for targeted interventions.