IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND OPERATIONAL INDICATORS FOR TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on epidemiological and operational indicators of tuberculosis control in the health regions of Bahia. Method: Ecological study, of the time series type of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. The simple linear regression method with Prais-Winsten correction was used. The R language was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: A reduction was observed in the incidence of tuberculosis, bacilloscopy indicators, directly observed treatment and cure; an increase in tests for human immunodeficiency virus and contacts examined. In 2020 there was a significant reduction in new cases, with a subsequent increase in 2021. Conclusion: The pandemic intensified the behavioral trend of the indicators. This data signals the need for greater attention from managers and health professionals in tuberculosis control actions in their localities.