Analysis of Epidemiological Data on Childhood Tuberculosis in the City of São Paulo From 2015 to 2023: A Comprehensive Review
Marina Haber de Souza
Pediatric Residency Program at the Municipal Public Servants Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil.
Geovana Neves Hirata
Pediatric Residency Program at the Municipal Public Servants Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil.
Thais Ferreira de Souza
Pediatric Residency Program at the Municipal Public Servants Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil.
Maria Clara Chaves Monteiro
Pediatric Residency Program at the Municipal Public Servants Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil.
Ysadora Maria Rodrigues Pinto
Cesumar University, Brazil.
Rodrigo Rodrigues Virgolino
Federal University of Pará, Brazil.
Vitor Hugo Auzier Lima *
Federal University of Pará, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Childhood tuberculosis remains an important public health challenge, especially in densely populated urban areas. This study aimed to analyse the correlation between demographic density and the incidence of childhood tuberculosis in the city of São Paulo over the last years. For this purpose, a systematic statistical methodological approach was used, and epidemiological data were collected and analyzed from several sources to identify patterns and trends in the incidence of the disease. The analysis revealed that areas with greater population density had higher rates of childhood tuberculosis, confirming the hypothesis that urban agglomeration facilitates the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Additionally, seasonal and temporal fluctuations in incidence were identified, related to factors such as public health interventions and changes in tuberculosis control policies. It was therefore concluded that, although significant advances have been made in controlling the disease, there is still a need for specific and continuous strategies for areas of high population density. This study also contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics of childhood tuberculosis in São Paulo and emphasised the importance of integrated public policies to mitigate the impact of the disease in childhood.
Keywords: Epidemiological profile, tuberculosis in childhood, São Paulo