Epidemiological Profile of Tuberculosis in men Deprived of Liberty in The State of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacillus transmitted through the air. The disease remains a significant public health problem in Brazil, especially in vulnerable populations, such as incarcerated individuals. In Rio Grande do Sul, the high incidence, TB-HIV co-infection, and prison conditions, such as overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, favor transmission and hinder disease control. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in incarcerated men in Rio Grande do Sul in 2023 and 2024, considering TB-HIV co-infection, clinical form, and treatment outcomes. Methodology: Epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and retrospective study, using secondary data from SINAN/DATASUS. Variables such as year of notification, TB-HIV coinfection, clinical form, and outcomes (cure, abandonment, and death) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results and Discussion: 905 cases were registered in 2023 and 806 in 2024, with coinfection in 12.3% and 13.2%, respectively. The pulmonary form predominated (more than 90% of cases). There was a reduction in treatment abandonment (132 to 93), deaths (14 to 9), and total cases in 2024. Region 10 concentrated the highest number of notifications. Cases of drug resistance were few, but relevant. TB-HIV coinfection remained high, associated with worse outcomes. Smoking showed high prevalence. Despite advances, challenges related to therapeutic adherence and continuity of care persist. Conclusion: Although there is a reduction in some indicators, tuberculosis remains a serious problem in the prison system. The need for early diagnosis, expanded HIV testing, strengthened directly observed treatment, and integration between the prison system and the health network is reinforced to ensure continuity of care and reduce transmission.