Epidemiological Profile of Tuberculosis in Men Deprived of Liberty in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (2023-2024)

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an airborne-transmitted bacillus. The disease remains an important public health problem in Brazil, especially among vulnerable populations such as people deprived of liberty (PDL). In Rio Grande do Sul, the high incidence, TB-HIV coinfection, and prison conditions such as overcrowding and poor sanitation favor transmission and hinder disease control. The objective was to analyze the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in men deprived of liberty in Rio Grande do Sul in the years 2023 and 2024, considering TB-HIV coinfection, clinical form, and treatment outcomes. This is an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and retrospective study based on secondary data from SINAN/DATASUS. Variables analyzed included year of notification, TB-HIV coinfection, clinical form, and outcomes (cure, treatment abandonment, and death), using descriptive statistics. A total of 905 cases were reported in 2023 and 806 in 2024, with coinfection rates of 12.3% and 13.2%, respectively. The pulmonary form predominated (more than 90% of cases). There was a reduction in treatment abandonment (from 132 to 93), deaths (from 14 to 9), and total cases in 2024. Health Region 10 accounted for the highest number of notifications. Cases of drug resistance were few but clinically relevant. TB-HIV coinfection remained high and was associated with worse outcomes. Smoking showed high prevalence. Despite advances, challenges persist regarding treatment adherence and continuity of care. Although some indicators improved, tuberculosis remains a serious problem in the prison system. The need for early diagnosis, expansion of HIV testing, strengthening of directly observed treatment, and integration between the prison system and the healthcare network is reinforced to ensure continuity of care and reduce transmission.