Geospatial mapping, trends, and factors associated with tuberculosis treatment interruption: an ecological study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the spatial and temporal patterns and factors associated with tuberculosis treatment interruption in Brazil from 2010 to 2020. Method: Ecological study using geoprocessing. The Joinpoint method was used for temporal analysis. Spatial autocorrelation and scan statistics identified clusters. Spatial and non-spatial regression models, considering p < .05, detected factors associated with the outcome. Results: A stationary trend in tuberculosis treatment interruption was observed across the country, with increases in the Central-West and North regions. Associated socioeconomic indicators included the Gini index, household density > 2, retreatment rate, social vulnerability index, illiteracy rate, percentage of individuals in extreme poverty, and Family Health Strategy coverage. Conclusion: Treatment interruption showed a stationary trend. Spatial regression showed that socioeconomic vulnerability indicators influence the outcome, positively or negatively, depending on the region, which calls for intensified prevention and control efforts in those areas.