Comparison of the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis before and after COVID-19 in the state of Pará

Abstract

Objective: To compare the epidemiological profile of Tuberculosis (TB) in the State of Pará, comparing the disease at different times, before and after the onset of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-COV-2). Methods: This is an observational study descriptive with a quantitative approach, carried out by collecting data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), referring to TB cases in the pre and post Covid-19 scenario (2016 to 2021). Results: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Brazil is among the 20 countries with the highest incidences of absolute cases of TB in the world, Pará has an annual average of 4,166 cases of tuberculosis, being related to issues in social development, precarious health; deficiency of public management, which limit prevention actions, consequently, there has been an increase in the number of cases of the disease. In 2020, there was a 16% drop in notification of new cases compared to 2019. These numbers can be explained by the preventive measures adopted during the pandemic. Conclusion: The state of Pará, despite social and economic adversities, has shown a reduction in the rates of TB and the new coronavirus, according to epidemiological bulletins, this may be linked to measures of social distancing.