Social Vulnerability and Tuberculosis Treatment Interruption Among People Experiencing Homelessness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/nursing.2026v32i341p22212-22238Keywords:
Tuberculosis; Homeless Persons; Primary Health Care; Health Inequality.Abstract
Objective: To analyze tuberculosis treatment interruption among people experiencing homelessness in São Paulo, considering quarterly temporal variations and territorial inequalities associated with this outcome. Methods: This was an ecological study using secondary data from SINAN-TB/TBWEB on adults experiencing homelessness from 2012 to 2023, with trend analysis performed for the period 2015 to 2023. Trends were estimated using Joinpoint regression, with calculation of quarterly percent change and average quarterly percent change, stratified by sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and programmatic characteristics. Territorial analysis was conducted at the subprefecture level using non-hierarchical clustering (k-means), incorporating indicators of human development, income inequality, social vulnerability, AIDS incidence, and primary health care performance. Results: A nonlinear temporal variation in treatment interruption was observed, with increasing trends among men, individuals aged 40–59 years, people who used substances, and those not receiving directly observed treatment. Homelessness remained associated with higher odds of treatment interruption and death in the adjusted models. Conclusions: Tuberculosis treatment interruption among people experiencing homelessness is associated with social and territorial inequalities, underscoring the need for intersectoral and territorially targeted strategies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 José Flávio Vasconcelos Alves, Florência Pelagagge, Jorge Maciel Alvares Dias, Sérgio Beltrão de Andrade Lima, Eliza Miranda Ramos

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