Barriers to latent tuberculosis screening and treatment among people living with HIV in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES

to understand, from the perspective of professionals in specialized services, the aspects that influence latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection screening and treatment among people living with HIV.

METHODS

a qualitative study was conducted with 25 professionals prescribing preventive treatment from Manaus, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Campo Grande, and Porto Alegre. Data were collected between 2024 and 2025 using an electronic questionnaire and analyzed using Bardin's content analysis.

RESULTS

four categories were identified: Professional qualification and commitment (autonomy and resistance to prescription); Structure and resources for care (exams, supplies, and infrastructure); Treatment adherence and continuity of care (low adherence and clinical follow-up); and Health management and policies (shortage of professionals, turnover, and centralization).

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: challenges persist in implementing preventive tuberculosis treatment among people living with HIV in Brazil, including professional resistance to prescribing, training gaps, regional inequalities in access, and social vulnerabilities.