Spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro state in 2000

Abstract: In Brazil, tuberculosis has been on the rise for the past twenty years, with an estimated fifty million people infected.  Ranked as the leading Brazilian state for tuberculosis, Rio de Janeiro posted a rate of 91.9: 100,000 / inhabitants in 2000, which is twice the figure nationwide.  As tuberculosis is rated as a socially determined disease, it is important to explore its associations with the State social and economic indicators, identifying areas at higher risk for this disease.  It is also necessary to implement efficient tuberculosis preventions and control programs. 

Purpose: To analyze the spatial distribution of tuberculosis and the relationship between the tuberculosis incidence and the social and economic variables in municipalities of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, in order to contribute more effective strategies for the preventions and control of this disease. 

Design: a multiple group ecological study was conducted, calculating the correlation between   tuberculosis incidence and the social and economic variables through Spearman’s coefficient.  This was followed by a multiple linear regression analysis and modeling.  An analysis of the spatial auto-correlation of tuberculosis incidence was conducted, together with the social and economic variables, using the Moran Index.  With a spatial auto-correlation having been found, a conditional spatial auto-regression model was prepared.

Findings and Conclusion: The findings show that the accounts of tuberculosis are associated with the living conditions of the population.  With variables related to urban issues being especially relevant, a multi-professional approach is consequently essential.