EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TUBERCULOSIS IN MINAS GERAIS (2014-2024): CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION AND HOMELESS PEOPLE

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in Brazil, particularly among socially vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in the state of Minas Gerais from 2014 to 2024, comparing the distribution of cases between the general population and people in situation of homelessness. This is a descriptive and retrospective study based on secondary data obtained from the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), available through the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). All tuberculosis cases reported in Minas Gerais during the study period were included, considering total number of cases, annual incidence per 100,000 inhabitants, and distribution by population group. Between 2014 and 2024, 48,093 tuberculosis cases were reported in the state, with an annual average of approximately 4,372 cases and a mean incidence of 20.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. During the same period, 2,366 cases were reported among people experiencing homelessness. Despite the lower absolute number of cases, the estimated incidence in this group was approximately 57 times higher than that observed in the general population, highlighting significant epidemiological disparities. These findings indicate a heterogeneous epidemiological distribution of tuberculosis in Minas Gerais, with a markedly disproportionate burden among people experiencing homelessness. This pattern highlights persistent health inequities and underscores the need for surveillance and health care strategies specifically tailored to this population.