Spatial clusters of risk and cartography of care for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE

To identify spatial clusters of risk and map the care network for people with drug-resistant tuberculosis in the state of São Paulo.

METHODS

This is an ecological study, carried out by collecting data from the Special Tuberculosis Treatment Information System (Site-TB) of people treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis from 2013 to 2020, in the state of São Paulo. Mapping was carried out using Kernel and scan statistic techniques.

RESULTS

1,084 cases were reported in the period analyzed. São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Santos, Guarulhos, and Campinas were the municipalities with the highest number of cases. The spatial pattern of agglomeration of cases and referral centers for treatment were similar, with gaps in coverage in the southwest and northwest of the state. Six spatial clusters were identified: four low-risk and two high-risk, located in São Paulo, Diadema, Santos, and Guarujá.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentration of cases and tertiary referral centers in metropolitan areas highlights inequalities in access to treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis. These findings indicate the need for health policies to expand diagnosis and treatment, improving the control of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the state of São Paulo.