Care strategies for children and adolescents with tuberculosis

Abstract

Objective: To identify strategies for the management of care for children and adolescents with tuberculosis in health services. Methods: This is a systematic review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and the PRISMA checklist. The search was conducted in February 2025 in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, and Scopus databases, using controlled descriptors and Boolean operators. Selection and methodological quality assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. Results: Fourteen qualitative studies were included, revealing five central categories: comprehensive care, psychosocial support, family-centered care, health care network structuring, and professional training. Key strategies include humanized welcoming, active involvement of caregivers, emotional support regarding stigma, and technical qualification for pediatric pharmacological management. Final considerations: The study synthesizes evidence that qualifies biopsychosocial care, although it presents limitations due to the scarcity of research focused exclusively on pediatrics. It is concluded that integrated management, dynamic network structuring, and the strengthening of the family bond are fundamental determinants for adherence and therapeutic success in the control of childhood and adolescent tuberculosis.