Tuberculosis case profile by sex and context of the Covid-19 pandemic: São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the profile of pulmonary tuberculosis cases, considering sex and context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Method: a cross-sectional study, covering new tuberculosis cases in the state of São Paulo diagnosed between 2014 and 2024. Data were collected from secondary sources and subjected to absolute and relative frequency analysis. No statistical tests were performed as it involved the entire population.

Results: among 147,438 cases, 74% were male. A higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus was observed in females, while in males there was a higher proportion of persons deprived of liberty; use of psychoactive substances; greater access to exams and diagnostic confirmation. After the pandemic period, there was a reduction in people between 18 and 30 years old and those in deprivation of liberty, and an increase in those between 31 and 40 years old and the performance of molecular rapid tests.

Conclusion: the persistence of vulnerabilities associated with the male gender and a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus among women were verified, as well as changes in the profile of reported cases and the expansion of molecular rapid testing due to the pandemic, reinforcing the importance of surveillance and care strategies sensitive to gender, age group, and conditions of vulnerability, seeking to improve the response to tuberculosis.