EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF TUBERCULOSIS IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION IN THE STATE OF ACRE

Abstract

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has a particularly worrying impact on the elderly population, due to their greater vulnerability to disease and the possibility of additional health complications. Objective: To highlight the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in the elderly population in the state of Acre. Method: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, exploratory study, with a quantitative approach, with secondary data collection, extracted from the SUS/DATASUS Information Department. Results: During the analyzed period, there were 341 cases of tuberculosis in the elderly in the state of Acre. The majority occurred in the age group of 60-64 years (33%), being predominantly male (66%), of brown race/skin color (79%) and with incomplete primary education (40%). The majority of notifications were new cases (93.3%), with a predominance of the pulmonary clinical form (89.0%). Approximately half of the patients did not undergo directly observed treatment (DOT) (48%), while 44% underwent DOT. In terms of evolution, the majority evolved towards healing (70%). However, there was a significant mortality rate, with 8% of deaths attributed to tuberculosis and 5% to other causes. Conclusion: the findings point to the need to improve strategies to combat tuberculosis in the elderly population, such as early diagnosis, adequate treatment and rigorous monitoring, in addition to carrying out new studies to address the vulnerability of this age group.