# Epidemiological Indicators of Tuberculosis in the Federal District, Brazil: Treatment Follow-Up and Case Closure Outcomes From 2015 to 2022

## TL;DR

This study examines how tuberculosis cases and treatment outcomes in Brazil's Federal District were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic from 2015 to 2022.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the impact of the pandemic on TB treatment adherence and health system performance in a specific Brazilian region.

## Key findings

- TB case detection and treatment success dropped significantly starting in 2020 due to the pandemic.
- Treatment abandonment increased, and directly observed treatment coverage decreased during the pandemic.
- Although some recovery occurred in 2022, TB indicators remained below pre-pandemic levels.

## Abstract

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a relevant public health problem in Brazil, and in the Federal District it continues to pose challenges related to diagnosis, treatment adherence, and continuity of care. Monitoring epidemiological indicators is essential to identify weaknesses in TB control and to guide health system responses.

Objective

To analyze the epidemiological situation of TB in the Federal District, Brazil, from 2015 to 2022, focusing on patient profile, treatment monitoring, and case closure outcomes, as well as to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB care.

Methods

A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using secondary data from the National Notifiable Diseases Information System, accessed through the Brazilian Ministry of Health database. The variables analyzed included the annual incidence of new TB cases, sociodemographic characteristics, type of case entry, directly observed treatment (DOT) coverage, and treatment outcomes. Population estimates were based on official census data.

Results

A marked reduction in TB case detection and treatment success indicators was observed from 2020 onward, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased cure rates, increased treatment abandonment, reduced coverage of DOT, and higher re-entry after abandonment were identified in the Federal District. Although a partial recovery in incidence occurred in 2022, the indicators did not return to pre-pandemic levels.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB surveillance and care in the Federal District, highlighting the need to strengthen monitoring strategies, improve treatment adherence, and reorganize health services to mitigate long-term effects on TB control.