Temporal Pattern and Spatial Distribution of Tuberculosis Prevalence Associated with Multimorbidity in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) can be influenced by co-occurring chronic conditions like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mental illness, and COPD.
• Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of TB with multimorbidity is crucial for public health interventions in Brazil.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the spatiotemporal distribution of tuberculosis (TB) cases associated with multimorbidity in Brazil.
• To analyze trends and geographical patterns of TB co-occurring with two or more chronic health conditions.

Main Methods:

• Ecological study utilizing data from Brazil's Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) from 2007 to 2021.
• Inclusion criteria: TB cases reported with at least two other chronic clinical health conditions (multimorbidity).
• Analysis included trend analysis, spatial analysis with Bayesian smoothing, and regression modeling for associated factors.

Main Results:

• A total of 7,795 cases of TB with multimorbidity were recorded.
• An average annual growth trend of 4.6% was observed, with higher growth rates between 2007-2011.
• Key affected municipalities included São Paulo, Porto Alegre, and Rio de Janeiro. Socioeconomic indicators like poverty, income, and household density were associated with multimorbidity.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the need for public health action to manage TB associated with multimorbidity.
• Further research is encouraged to explore the synergistic interactions between TB and other clinical conditions due to the topic's novelty.