Tuberculosis detection actions in Primary Health Care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate which tuberculosis monitoring actions were modified in Primary Health Care services in the eastern region of the city of São Paulo.

METHODS: a cross-sectional study based on primary and secondary data. Key informants from 20 health units were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: in 2020, 2021 and 2022, there was an increase in working hours and a significant change in the work process. Changes in tuberculosis detection actions were identified, with an association between the change in consultation offer and the year 2020 when compared to 2022 (p=0.02). A decrease in the tuberculosis incidence rate and an increase in the mortality rate were observed between the years.

CONCLUSIONS: the repercussions of the pandemic on tuberculosis detection measures are highlighted, which had an impact on the epidemiological data of the disease in the municipality.