# Factors associated with unfavorable tuberculosis treatment outcomes in the population deprived of liberty

## TL;DR

This study identifies factors linked to poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes in prisons in southern Brazil, highlighting issues like HIV status and lack of proper healthcare.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific factors associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes in imprisoned populations in southern Brazil.

## Key findings

- 35.6% of TB cases in the prison population resulted in unfavorable outcomes.
- Factors like HIV/AIDS, transfers, and self-administered treatment were linked to poor TB treatment outcomes.
- Non-compliance with public health policies and lack of confirmatory tests were significant issues.

## Abstract

TB represents a significant challenge within the prison context. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with the unfavourable outcomes (no-cure) of TB treatment in the population deprived of liberty (PDL) in southern Brazil.

A cross-sectional study using secondary data from the national notification system was developed to identify TB outcomes. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to determine the dimensions of care associated with unfavourable outcome of TB treatment in the PDL. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were provided for each dimension evaluated.

A total of 3,022 TB cases in the PDL were analysed, of which 1,077 (35.6%) resulted in unfavourable outcome. After adjustment, the following were associated with unfavourable outcome: living with HIV/AIDS, notification by other teams, entry by transfers, clinical epidemiological diagnosis, and self-administered treatment.

The factors associated with unfavourable TB treatment outcomes in PDL are mainly related to non-compliance with public policy determinations and government strategies, such as: lack of health staff in prison institutions, excessive transfers, lack of confirmatory TB tests, and failure to perform directly observed treatment, which should be the rule.