RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: We describe the socio-demographic and medical care characteristics of people who died of pulmonary tuberculosis in 1993 in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Once selected, through death certificate, an interview and verbal autopsy was applied to the closest available relative. RESULTS: A total of 300 interviews were carried out. Half of the deaths were diagnosed with tuberculosis the same year they died. Approximately half of the deceased withdrew from treatment and 40% reported abuse of alcohol consumption. Patients who died of pulmonary tuberculosis belonged to the most vulnerable social groups. 35% were illiterate or had no education, and 67% lacked a regular job. There were no differences found between those who used private medical services and those who used official or public services. CONCLUSIONS: Important findings include the high proportion of patients diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, alcoholism, adverse reactions to drugs as a cause of withdrawal from treatment, and other current diseases at the time of tuberculosis diagnosis.