Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in indigenous peoples: literature review

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Considering the vulnerability of the indigenous population to illness due to tuberculosis (TB), this review aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and epidemiology of reported cases of TB in indigenous peoples, according to national and international literature. Materials and methods: an integrative review was prepared, based on the guiding question: “What is the epidemiological profile/epidemiology of notified cases of tuberculosis in indigenous peoples?”. A search in the LILACS, PUBMED, Scopus and Embase databases with the descriptors indexed and their respective synonyms in DeCS, Mesh and Emtree was made. The following inclusion criteria were considered: complete articles, in portuguese, spanish and english, published in the last 10 years, excluding publications that are not characterized as scientific articles. Articles that met the eligibility criteria on the profile and epidemiology of TB in indigenous populations were selected and analyzed through reading and filing Results: Of the 26 studies, there was a high incidence of TB, with a mean age of 25 years. Males predominated, living in rural areas, with low education levels, clinical pulmonary form and diabetes mellitus among the most frequent diseases and associated injuries. Low performance of diagnostic tests and monthly control, in addition to HIV testing. They performed the directly observed treatment and showed a high percentage of cure and a low percentage of abandonment and death from TB. Conclusion: Given these findings, TB illness among indigenous peoples is related to economic, social, occupational and organizational issues of health services.