Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis patients treated at the Benguela Anti-Tuberculosis Dispensary

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can affect other organs. Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Objectives: To analyze the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis patients treated at the Benguela Anti-Tuberculosis Dispensary. Methodology: A descriptive, prospective study with a qualitative and quantitative approach was conducted from August to October 2024. A sample of 152 patients was selected using a simple random sampling method. Results: Of the 152 patients, 61 positive cases were observed, in the age group ≤18 years, representing approximately 54.1% of the sample, of which 63.9% were male and 36.1% were female. Among them, 52.5% had primary education, 23.0% were illiterate, 44.3% were single, and 80.3% were unemployed. Regarding pathological and non-pathological histories, 78.7% were malnourished, 78.7% consumed alcohol, 73.8% had a sedentary lifestyle, and 69.2% were smokers. Epidemiological characteristics: 85.2% lived in overcrowded housing, 65.6% had relatives with TB. Prior to diagnosis, 32.2% of patients were vaccinated with BCG and 42.6% were new patients. The disease was community-acquired in 78.6% of cases, while 16.4% had TB and HIV coinfection. Conclusions: Results highlight the complexity of the tuberculosis scenario in Benguela Province, which, as in the rest of the country, involves social, economic and health factors, requiring an integrated approach that involves education, prevention and improved access to health services.