Clinical and Environmental Factors Associated with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Prisoners in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to assess clinical and environmental factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in prisoners. We carried out a documentary, retrospective, epidemiological study of records of tuberculosis cases in a prison hospital in Northeastern Brazil. The sample consisted of data from medical records of prisoners diagnosed with TB from January 2015 to January 2016. Information such as age, race, marital status, education level, weight, height, harmful habits, and clinical data on mucous membrane, cough, sputum, breathing pattern, bacilloscopy, initiation and type of treatment, treatment duration, prison of origin and time spent in prison were assessed. A total of 109 medical records of prisoners were analyzed. Mean age was 28.5 (± 7.9) years, and most prisoners (n=87; 79.8 percent ) were single. In all, 78.0 percent (n=85) of the prisoners had primary education and 73.4 percent (n=80) were self-declared Pardos (mixed-race Brazilians). Statistically significant associations were found between level of education and prevalence of cough (p=.042), time in prison and presence of cough (p=.014), and BMI and mucous membrane coloration (p=.001). The habits of most prisoners are different from those expected for a good quality of life. In addition, the health conditions of prisoners also contribute to the infection. These findings emphasize the need for actions targeted at eliminating tuberculosis in prisoners and actions to raise awareness about hygiene and life habits.