Spatial analysis of tuberculosis in children under 15 years of age and socioeconomic risk: an ecological study in Paraíba, Brazil, 2007-2016

Objective To analyze spatial distribution of tuberculosis in individuals under 15 years old and socioeconomic factors in Paraíba, Brazil, 2007-2016. Methods This was an ecological study based on data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN), taking each municipality to be a unit of analysis. Spatial distribution of incidence was performed, the local empirical Bayesian method and Moran's I were applied. Socioeconomic data were crossed-checked to identify areas of social prosperity. Results 426 cases were notified, with average incidence of 4.5/100,000 inhabitants. Moran's I was 0.59 (p=0.010). The Moran Map revealed concentration of cases in children under 15 in 38 high priority municipalities, in clusters with high-high and low-low patterns, in the east and northwest of the state, coinciding with areas of low social prosperity. Conclusion There were clusters with greater tuberculosis transmission, indicating priority areas for addressing tuberculosis.