Sociodemographic factors associated with the success or failure of anti-tuberculosis treatment in the Chiapas Highlands, Mexico, 2019–2022

Abstract

Objective To estimate the incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) in the Highlands (Tsotsil-Tseltal) region of Chiapas and to analyze sociodemographic factors that might influence the success of anti-TB treatment from the period of January 2019 to June 2022. Methods Retrospective study in which the TB databases of the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) were analyzed. TB incidence rates were calculated based on the number of registered TB cases and estimated annual populations. The success-failure of anti-TB treatment was analyzed according to sociodemographic indicators, degree of concentration of indigenous population of the municipality of residence and admission to SINAVE. Results Two hundred thirty-three cases were analyzed. The variables associated to a lower success rate of treatment against TB were: living in a municipality with high-very high concentration of indigenous population, being indigenous, having a primary school education or lower, and agricultural occupation. The number of TB diagnosed from 2020–2022 and the incidence rates from 2020–2021 decreased significantly compared to 2019. Conclusions It is necessary to strengthen the follow-up of TB cases in the region, mainly in areas with high-very high indigenous concentration, in people with low levels of education and engaged in agricultural work.