Tuberculose nos municípios amazonenses da fronteira Brasil-Colômbia-Peru-Venezuela: situação epidemiológica e fatores associados ao abandono / Tuberculosis in Amazonian municipalities of the Brazil-Colombia-Peru-Venezuela border: epidemiological situation and risk factors associated with treatment default

OBJETIVO: Descrever a situação epidemiológica da tuberculose, mapear a sua incidência e investigar fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento nos municípios do Amazonas que integram o Arco Norte da faixa de fronteira internacional do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Este estudo retrospectivo analisou características sociodemográficas e clínico-epidemiológicas dos casos de tuberculose notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) entre 2001 e 2010. Utilizou-se regressão logística para identificação de fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de casos em indígenas (51,9%), em homens (57,9%) e em indivíduos na faixa de 25 a 44 anos (31,4%) de idade. A forma clínica predominante foi a pulmonar (89,7%). Mesmo assim, 24,5% dos casos não realizaram baciloscopia de escarro, e somente metade realizou tratamento supervisionado. A alta por cura representou 70,0% das notificações, e o abandono, 10,0%. Óbitos por tuberculose e por outras causas somaram 4,1%, e a tuberculose multirresistente somou 1,7%. A incidência média segundo raça/cor revelou-se maior entre os indígenas, variando de 202,3/100 000 em 2001 a 65,6/100 000 em 2010. O abandono do tratamento esteve associado à não realização das baciloscopias de acompanhamento no segundo, quarto e sexto mês (OR = 11,9; IC95%: 7,4 a 19,0); ao reingresso pós-abandono (OR = 3,0; IC95%: 1,5 a 5,9); e à residência em algumas sub-regiões, sobretudo no Alto Solimões (OR = 6,7; IC95%: 4,6 a 9,8). CONCLUSÕES: Na porção amazonense do Arco Norte da fronteira internacional do Brasil, predominam elevadas taxas de incidência por tuberculose, sobretudo em indígenas. As especificidades socioculturais dessas populações e o precário controle da tuberculose na região determinam a necessidade urgente de integrar os diferentes sistemas nacionais de saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological situation and the incidence of tuberculosis and to investigate the factors associated with treatment default in the Amazonian municipalities located in the northern Brazilian international border. METHODS: This retrospective study employed sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological tuberculosis data recorded in the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) between 2001 and 2010. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with treatment default. RESULTS: Tuberculosis affected mostly indigenous peoples (51.9%), males (57.9%), and people aged 25-44 years (31.4%). The predominant clinical presentation was pulmonary (89.7%), yet in 24.5% of the cases the patients did not undergo sputum smear microscopy, and only half received supervised treatment. In 70.0% of the cases notified, patients were discharged as cured. Treatment default was recorded in 10.0% of the patients. Of all deaths, 4.1% were by tuberculosis and other causes, and 1.7% by multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The average incidence by race/color was greater among indigenous peoples, ranging from 202.3/100 000 in 2001 to 65.6/100 000 in 2010. Treatment default was associated with failure to perform the follow-up smear at the second, fourth, and sixth months (OR = 11.9, 95%CI: 7.4-19.0); with resuming treatment after default (OR = 3.0, 95%CI: 1.5-5.9); and with living in specific subregions, particularly the Alto Solimões region (OR = 6.7, 95%CI: 4.6-9.8). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show a high incidence of tuberculosis in the Amazon portion of the northern Brazilian international border, especially among indigenous peoples. Considering the socio-cultural specificities of these populations and the poor tuberculosis control in this area, the authors of the study conclude that the integration of different national health systems is both necessary and urgent.

[Tuberculosis in Amazonian municipalities of the Brazil-Colombia-Peru-Venezuela border: epidemiological situation and risk factors associated with treatment default]. / Tuberculose nos municípios amazonenses da fronteira Brasil-Colômbia-Peru-Venezuela: situação epidemiológica e fatores associados ao abandono.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological situation and the incidence of tuberculosis and to investigate the factors associated with treatment default in the Amazonian municipalities located in the northern Brazilian international border. METHODS: This retrospective study employed sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological tuberculosis data recorded in the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) between 2001 and 2010. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with treatment default. RESULTS: Tuberculosis affected mostly indigenous peoples (51.9%), males (57.9%), and people aged 25-44 years (31.4%). The predominant clinical presentation was pulmonary (89.7%), yet in 24.5% of the cases the patients did not undergo sputum smear microscopy, and only half received supervised treatment. In 70.0% of the cases notified, patients were discharged as cured. Treatment default was recorded in 10.0% of the patients. Of all deaths, 4.1% were by tuberculosis and other causes, and 1.7% by multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The average incidence by race/color was greater among indigenous peoples, ranging from 202.3/100 000 in 2001 to 65.6/100 000 in 2010. Treatment default was associated with failure to perform the follow-up smear at the second, fourth, and sixth months (OR = 11.9, 95%CI: 7.4-19.0); with resuming treatment after default (OR = 3.0, 95%CI: 1.5-5.9); and with living in specific subregions, particularly the Alto Solimões region (OR = 6.7, 95%CI: 4.6-9.8). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show a high incidence of tuberculosis in the Amazon portion of the northern Brazilian international border, especially among indigenous peoples. Considering the socio-cultural specificities of these populations and the poor tuberculosis control in this area, the authors of the study conclude that the integration of different national health systems is both necessary and urgent.

Análise comparativa dos sistemas de saúde da tríplice fronteira: Brasil/Colômbia/Peru / Comparative analysis of health systems on the triple border between Brazil, Colombia, and Peru

Os objetivos deste artigo são: descrever o processo de reforma sanitßria ocorrido em países da América Latina e suas repercussões nos sistemas de saúde do Brasil, da Colômbia e do Peru; analisar a conformação dos sistemas nacionais de saúde desses três países fronteiriços; e avaliar os limites e possibilidades de uma integração dos sistemas locais de saúde no contexto da tríplice fronteira amazônica. A partir de documentos e bases de dados oficiais, faz-se uma anßlise do desenvolvimento dos sistemas de saúde e da organização da rede de serviços nesse segmento de fronteira localizado em plena região amazônica. Na comparação entre os três países, constata-se que o modelo adotado pelo Brasil tem as características de um sistema nacional de saúde de finalidade pública, enquanto na Colômbia e no Peru vigoram sistemas de asseguramento, com adoção de planos obrigatórios de assistência, segmentação dos usußrios e contingenciamento da cobertura. Os três países convergem quanto à mescla de público e privado na provisão de serviços, mas diferem no nível de acesso e no tipo de regulação por parte do Estado. Conclui-se que as especificidades dos sistemas de saúde dos três países fronteiriços tornam complexo o desafio da construção de um sistema único de saúde na fronteira que possa garantir a universalidade do acesso, a equidade no atendimento e a integralidade da assistência. Apesar das discrepâncias identificadas, porém, constata-se que a preponderância do setor público na rede de atenção bßsica permite vislumbrar a possibilidade de integração dos sistemas locais de saúde no que concerne à oferta organizada de ações programßticas de saúde do primeiro e segundo níveis de assistência.

The objectives of this article are to describe the health sector reform process in Latin American countries and its impact on the health systems of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru; analyze the structure of the national health systems of these bordering nations; and assess the constraints and potential for integrating the local health systems along the triple Amazon border. Using official documents and databases, we analyzed health system development and the structure of the services network in this segment of the border located in the heart of the Amazon region. Comparison of the three countries confirmed that Brazil's model has the characteristics of a national public health system, while the Colombian and Peruvian models emphasize insurance systems, with the adoption of compulsory health care plans, the segmentation of users, and limitations on coverage. The three countries are similar in their adoption of a public-private mix in service delivery, but they differ in the degree of access and type of State regulation. We concluded that the characteristics of the health systems in the three countries make the challenge of building a unified health system capable of guaranteeing universal access, equity in care, and comprehensive care a complex undertaking. However, despite the differences identified, we can state that the weight of the public sector in the basic care network makes it possible to foresee integration of the local health systems to provide an organized supply of programmatic health actions at the primary and secondary level of care.

[Comparative analysis of health systems on the triple border between Brazil, Colombia, and Peru]. / Análise comparativa dos sistemas de saúde da tríplice fronteira: Brasil/Colômbia/Peru.

The objectives of this article are to describe the health sector reform process in Latin American countries and its impact on the health systems of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru; analyze the structure of the national health systems of these bordering nations; and assess the constraints and potential for integrating the local health systems along the triple Amazon border. Using official documents and databases, we analyzed health system development and the structure of the services network in this segment of the border located in the heart of the Amazon region. Comparison of the three countries confirmed that Brazil's model has the characteristics of a national public health system, while the Colombian and Peruvian models emphasize insurance systems, with the adoption of compulsory health care plans, the segmentation of users, and limitations on coverage. The three countries are similar in their adoption of a public-private mix in service delivery, but they differ in the degree of access and type of State regulation. We concluded that the characteristics of the health systems in the three countries make the challenge of building a unified health system capable of guaranteeing universal access, equity in care, and comprehensive care a complex undertaking. However, despite the differences identified, we can state that the weight of the public sector in the basic care network makes it possible to foresee integration of the local health systems to provide an organized supply of programmatic health actions at the primary and secondary level of care.

[Leprosy in indigenous populations of Amazonas State, Brazil: an epidemiological study in the counties of Autazes, Eirunepé and São Gabriel da Cachoeira (2000 to 2005)]. / Hanseníase em populações indígenas do Amazonas, Brasil: um estudo epidemiológico nos municípios de Autazes, Eirunepé e São Gabriel da Cachoeira (2000 a 2005).

In 2005, Amazonas State, Brazil, showed hyperendemic leprosy detection coefficients and prevalence with medium endemicity. Although this State has the largest indigenous population in Brazil, there are no data on the leprosy profile in these groups. This study aimed to describe and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of leprosy case reporting in the municipalities (counties) of Autazes, Eirunepé, and São Gabriel da Cachoeira, comparing indigenous and non-indigenous findings according to target variables. A total of 386 cases reported to SINAN from 2000 to 2005 were analyzed. Mean detection rates were 3.55, 14.94, and 2.13/10,000 (among non-indigenous) and 10.95, 1.93, and 0.78/10,000 (among indigenous peoples) in Autazes, Eirunepé, and São Gabriel da Cachoeira, respectively. Paucibacillary cases predominated among both indigenous and non-indigenous populations; however, dimorphous cases represented one-third of notifications. Despite coverage limitations and underreporting, the findings suggest that leprosy is a major public health problem for indigenous populations in Amazonas State. Classification according to race/ethnicity has been a useful tool for solving health inequalities.

Hanseníase em populações indígenas do Amazonas, Brasil: um estudo epidemiológico nos municípios de Autazes, Eirunepé e São Gabriel da Cachoeira (2000 a 2005) / Leprosy in indigenous populations of Amazonas State, Brazil: an epidemiological study in the counties of Autazes, Eirunepé and São Gabriel da Cachoeira (2000 to 2005)

In 2005, Amazonas State, Brazil, showed hyperendemic leprosy detection coefficients and prevalence with medium endemicity. Although this State has the largest indigenous populationin Brazil, there are no data on the leprosy profile in these groups. This study aimed to describe and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of leprosy case reporting in the municipalities (counties) of Autazes, Eirunepé, and São Gabriel da Cachoeira, comparing indigenous and nonindigenousfindings according to target variables.A total of 386 cases reported to SINAN from 2000 to 2005 were analyzed. Mean detection rates were 3.55, 14.94, and 2.13/10,000 (among nonindigenous) and 10.95, 1.93, and 0.78/10,000 (among indigenous peoples) in Autazes, Eirunepé, and São Gabriel da Cachoeira, respectively. Paucibacillary cases predominated among both indigenous and non-indigenous populations; however, dimorphous cases represented one-thirdof notifications. Despite coverage limitations and underreporting, the findings suggest that leprosy is a major public health problem for indigenouspopulations in Amazonas State. Classification according to race/ethnicity has been a useful tool for solving health inequalities.

O Estado do Amazonas, Brasil, apresentou, em 2005, coeficientes hiperendêmicos de detecção de hanseníase e prevalência de média endemicidade. O estado detém a maior população indígena no país, mas inexistem informações sobre o perfil da hanseníase nesses grupos. O estudo objetivou a descrição e análise das características epidemiológicas das notificações de hanseníase nos municípios de Autazes, Eirunepé e São Gabriel da Cachoeira, comparando achados entre indígenas e não indígenas, segundo variáveis de interesse. Foram analisados os casos notificados no SINAN, no período de 2000 a 2005. Do total de 386 casos notificados, verificaram- se coeficientes médios de detecção de 3,55, 14,94 e 2,13/10 mil (entre os não indígenas) e de 10,95, 1,93 e 0,78/10 mil (para os indígenas), para Autazes,Eirunepé e São Gabriel da Cachoeira, respectivamente. Houve predomínio de casos paucibacilares em indígenas e em não indígenas, no entanto, a forma dimorfa representou 1/3 das notificações. Apesar das limitaçõesde cobertura e do sub-registro, os achados sugerem que a hanseníase representa importante problema de saúde pública para os indígenas no Amazonas. A classificação segundo “raça/etnicidade” se constituiu em ferramenta útil para elucidar desigualdades em saúde.

Perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase em menores de quinze anos de idade, Manaus (AM), 1998-2005 / Perfil epidemiológico de la hanseniasis en menores de quince años de edad, Manaus (Norte de Brasil), 1998-2005 / Epidemiological profile of leprosy in children under 15 in Manaus (Northern Brazil), 1998-2005

OBJETIVO: Analisar a situação epidemiológica da hanseníase em crianças, em zona urbana. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 474 casos de hanseníase, em menores de 15 anos, detectados na zona urbana de Manaus (AM), de 1998 a 2005. A partir dos dados do Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação foram analisados o perfil da endemia e a qualidade do atendimento nos serviços de saúde, utilizando os indicadores epidemiológicos e operacionais Programa Nacional de Eliminação da Hanseníase. RESULTADOS: Os casos de hanseníase em menores de 15 anos corresponderam a 10,4 por cento do total de casos detectados no período. O coeficiente de detecção nessa faixa etária manteve-se no nível hiperendêmico entre 1998 e 2003, reduzindo a partir do ano de 2004 mas mantendo endemicidade muito alta. A forma clínica mais freqüente foi a tuberculóide, seguida da dimorfa. As formas paucibacilares corresponderam a 70,7 por cento dos casos e no momento do diagnóstico, o grau de incapacidades foi avaliado em 94,7 por cento dos pacientes, dos quais 2,9 por cento apresentaram incapacidades físicas. A maioria dos casos (99,4 por cento) foi tratada com o esquema poliquimioterápico da Organização Mundial da Saúde. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de seu decréscimo, o coeficiente de detecção da hanseníase nas crianças em Manaus mantém nível de endemicidade muito alto.

Epidemiological profile of leprosy in children under 15 in Manaus (Northern Brazil), 1998-2005.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological status of leprosy in children living in a metropolitan area. METHODS: There were studied 474 leprosy cases detected in children under 15 living in the metropolitan area of the city of Manaus, Northern Brazil, between 1998 and 2005. The endemic profile and quality of care services were assessed based on data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System using epidemiological and operational indicators of the National Leprosy Elimination Program. RESULTS: Of all leprosy cases detected in the period studied, 10.4% were found in children under 15. The detection rates in this age group remained at hyperendemic levels between 1998 and 2003, and decreased from 2004 onwards but keeping on very high endemic levels. The most common clinical form was tuberculoid followed by dimorphous. Paucibacillary forms were seen in 70.7% of the cases. The level of disability at the time of diagnosis was assessed in 94.7% of patients and 2.9% of them had physical disabilities. Most children (99.4%) were treated with the multiple drug regimen recommended by the World Health Organization. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its decrease, detection rate of leprosy in children in the city of Manaus remains at a very high endemic level.

Distribution of dengue vectors in neighborhoods with different urbanization types of Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil.

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are vectors of dengue viruses, which cause endemic disease in the city of Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas, Brazil. More than 53 thousand cases have been registered in this city since the first epidemic in 1998. We evaluated the hypothesis that different ecological conditions result in different patterns of vector infestation in Manaus, by measuring the infestation level in four neighborhoods with different urbanization patterns, during the rainy (April), dry (August), and transitional (November) seasons. Ae. aegypti predominated throughout the study areas and sampling periods, representing 86% of all specimens collected in oviposition traps. High frequencies of houses positive for both species were observed in all studied sites, with Ae. aegypti present in more than 84% of the houses in all seasons. Ae. albopictus, on the other hand, showed more spatial and temporal variation in abundance. We found no association between infestation level and house traits. This study highlights the homogeneity of dengue vector distribution in Manaus.

Distribution of dengue vectors in neighborhoods with different urbanization types of Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are vectors of dengue viruses, which cause endemic disease in the city of Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas, Brazil. More than 53 thousand cases have been registered in this city since the first epidemic in 1998. We evaluated the hypothesis that different ecological conditions result in different patterns of vector infestation in Manaus, by measuring the infestation level in four neighborhoods with different urbanization patterns, during the rainy (April), dry (August), and transitional (November) seasons. Ae. aegypti predominated throughout the study areas and sampling periods, representing 86 percent of all specimens collected in oviposition traps. High frequencies of houses positive for both species were observed in all studied sites, with Ae. aegypti present in more than 84 percent of the houses in all seasons. Ae. albopictus, on the other hand, showed more spatial and temporal variation in abundance. We found no association between infestation level and house traits. This study highlights the homogeneity of dengue vector distribution in Manaus.

Tuberculose na população indígena de São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas, Brasil / Tuberculosis among the indian population in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas State, Brazil

O estudo descreve a situação da tuberculose no Município de São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil, no período de 1997 a 2002. Este município de população predominantemente indígena constitui uma importante noso-área da Amazônia para o problema da tuberculose, cuja magnitude se expressa por intermédio do coeficiente 2,4 vezes mais elevado que a média estadual e até quatro vezes mais que a média nacional. Análises estatísticas utilizadas para avaliar a tendência em relação à associação com a idade, o sexo e a forma clínica revelaram diferenças no comportamento da endemia, quando comparados os coeficientes de incidência entre os casos de procedência urbana e rural. As taxas padronizadas mostraram a população masculina com uma incidência mais elevada que a feminina nas duas áreas de residência. A faixa etária mais atingida foi acima de 50 anos, porém a proporção de menores de 15 anos se mostrou acima dos valores esperados na população geral do país, além de apresentar diferentes níveis de gravidade nas subáreas rurais estudadas. Os achados indicam que esta situação pode ser explicada pelas desigualdades, sobretudo, relativas à acessibilidade aos serviços de saúde que, contraditoriamente, parecem menos resolutivos na área urbana.

This study describes the tuberculosis situation in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas State, Brazil, from 1997 to 2002. The county, which has a predominantly Indian population, is a relevant tuberculosis area in Amazonas, since the infection rate is 2.4 to 4 times that of the overall State and national rates. The statistical analyses used to assess its association with age, gender, and clinical form showed differences in the endemic behavior, comparing the urban and rural incidence rates. Males had higher standardized incidence rates than females in both the urban and rural areas. The most heavily affected age group was greater than 50 years, but the rate among individuals under 15 years was above the overall national rate, in addition to presenting different severity levels in the rural sub-areas that were studied. The situation can be explained mainly by inequalities in access to health services, which paradoxically appear to show lower case-resolving capacity in urban areas of the county.

[Tuberculosis among the indian population in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas State, Brazil]. / Tuberculose na população indígena de São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas, Brasil.

This study describes the tuberculosis situation in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas State, Brazil, from 1997 to 2002. The county, which has a predominantly Indian population, is a relevant tuberculosis area in Amazonas, since the infection rate is 2.4 to 4 times that of the overall State and national rates. The statistical analyses used to assess its association with age, gender, and clinical form showed differences in the endemic behavior, comparing the urban and rural incidence rates. Males had higher standardized incidence rates than females in both the urban and rural areas. The most heavily affected age group was greater than 50 years, but the rate among individuals under 15 years was above the overall national rate, in addition to presenting different severity levels in the rural sub-areas that were studied. The situation can be explained mainly by inequalities in access to health services, which paradoxically appear to show lower case-resolving capacity in urban areas of the county.

[Dimensions and potentialities of the geographic information system on indigenous health]. / Dimensões e potencialidades dos sistemas de informação geográfica na saúde indígena.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the potentials of the Geographic Information System in the analysis of the epidemiological and socio-demographic profiles of indigenous peoples and of the organization of health services directed towards their care. METHODS: Geoprocessing analysis of tuberculosis, malaria and mortality notification of 374,123 indigenous people distributed in 36 Distritos Sanitários Especiais Indígenas (Special Indigenous Sanitary Districts) in Brazil was conducted. A gradient of risk intensity for tuberculosis, malaria, and infant mortality among indigenous populations was defined for the years 2000 to 2002. These coefficients were then compared with those of non-indigenous populations, during the same period. RESULTS: The analysis showed that the previous available data are fragmentary and do not allow for a comprehensive assessment of life conditions and health situations of these ethnic groups. The construction of gradients of risk indicated incidence of tuberculosis coefficients among the indigenous population more than 1,000 times greater than those found among the general population in Brazil. The mean malaria API among the indigenous population was up to 10 times greater than the mean values found among the non-indigenous population and the coefficient of infant mortality among the indigenous population varied from 74.7/1,000 live births in 2000 to 56.5/1,000 live births in 2001, exceeding the national average (31.8/1,000) for the same period in more than 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The Geographic Information System is a useful administrative tool for assessing health conditions, evaluating population risks, constructing scenarios, and planning intervention strategies in several levels, shifting quickly and efficiently between macro- and micro-level realities.

Dimensões e potencialidades dos sistemas de informação geográfica na saúde indígena / Dimensions and potentialities of the geographic information system on indigenous health

OBJETIVO: Discutir as potencialidades do sistema de informação geográfico na análise do perfil epidemiológico, sociodemográfico e da organização dos serviços de saúde dirigidos aos povos indígenas. MÉTODOS: Foi efetuada a análise georreferenciada das notificações de tuberculose, malária e da mortalidade de 374.123 indígenas distribuídos em 36 Distritos Sanitários Especiais Indígenas em todo o Brasil. Definiu-se um gradiente da intensidade do risco de adoecimento indígena por tuberculose, malária e mortalidade infantil nos anos de 2000 a 2002, comparando-os com os coeficientes encontrados na população não indígena no mesmo período. RESULTADOS: O estudo mostrou que os dados previamente disponíveis são fragmentários, não possibilitando uma visão de conjunto das condições de vida e da situação de saúde dos grupos étnicos. A construção de gradientes de risco evidenciou coeficientes de incidência de tuberculose superiores em mais de 1.000 vezes àqueles encontrados para a população geral brasileira. O índice Parasitário Anual médio de malária na população indígena superou em até 10 vezes os valores médios encontrados para a população não-indígena e o Coeficiente de Mortalidade Infantil variou entre 74,7/1.000 nascidos vivos em 2000 e 56,5/1.000 em 2001, superando em mais de 100 por cento a média nacional para o período. CONCLUSÕES: O Sistema de Informação Geográfica se revela uma ferramenta útil para a gestão, possibilitando análises de situações sanitárias, avaliação de risco populacional, construção de cenários que viabilizem o planejamento de estratégias de intervenção nos diversos níveis, transitando com rapidez e eficiência entre macro e micro realidades.