ANALYSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS CASES BEFORE AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE WESTERN MACROREGION OF PARANÁ BETWEEN 2017 AND 2022

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that continues to pose a global public health challenge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable and significant impact on the provision of healthcare services related to tuberculosis in various countries. Objective: To analyze tuberculosis cases in the western macroregion of Paraná, Brazil, by comparing cases reported before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This is a descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective study with a cross-sectional design, conducted in the western macroregion of the state of Paraná, based on data available in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases. Results and Discussion: Based on the collected data, the final sample included 2,384 reported cases of tuberculosis in the western macroregion of Paraná, from 2017 (n = 1,218; 51.04%) to 2022 (n = 1,166; 48.90%). A greater reduction in cases is noted in the year 2020. There was a significant decrease in the cure rate, which dropped from 72.09% in the pre-pandemic period to 49.06% during the pandemic. Additionally, there was an increase in underreporting of information due to an increase in blank or ignored records during the pandemic period. Conclusion: The study highlights the ongoing importance of epidemiological surveillance, strengthening healthcare systems, and implementing specific strategies to combat tuberculosis, even in times of a pandemic, in order to preserve the health of the population and advance towards the goals of disease control.