Tuberculose em Fernandópolis, São Paulo, Brasil: uma abordagem integrada em Saúde Única

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a "forgotten" disease by society, yet it holds great significance for public health as it affects numerous people annually. This research aimed to describe the socio-epidemiological profile of those affected by tuberculosis in the municipality of Fernandópolis, from 2014 to 2023, with the goal of developing control and prevention actions based on the "One Health" approach. The study is characterized by an epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, and quantitative qualitative design. It was conducted using Fernandópolis/SP as the unit of analysis, with data collected from the DATASUS database of the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), along with home visits to 28 individuals reported between January 2019 and December 2023. During the study period, 159 cases of tuberculosis were reported. The profile of those affected primarily included males aged 20 to 39 years, with incomplete high school education, and residents of urban areas. Among the reported cases, 20 involved HIV co-infection. The predominant clinical form was pulmonary tuberculosis, and among those affected, 42% did not complete or abandoned the treatment. The case fatality rate was 4.4%, with a mortality rate of 2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The interviews revealed that most TB patients belonged to social class D, facing economic and housing vulnerability. Poor living conditions hindered treatment, and limited knowledge about the disease led to delayed diagnoses, increasing the risk of transmission. Socioeconomic and environmental factors influence the spread of tuberculosis, underscoring the need for public policies to reduce inequalities and improve awareness. The study concluded that there has been an increase in the prevalence of tuberculosis cases in the municipality. It indicates that the disease requires an integrated approach from a "One Health" perspective, surpassing medical boundaries and incorporating strategies that promote health and improve the quality of life for affected populations. The integrated vision emerges as a fundamental strategy to address the multifaceted challenges of tuberculosis, tackling both treatment and the social, economic, and environmental determinants contributing to its spread.