Factors associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes of tuberculosis in older adults in Brazil: a multinomial analysis

Abstract Objective To identify, within the three axes of vulnerabilities (individual, social, and programmatic), the factors associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) among older adults in Brazil between 2015 and 2019. Method This is a cross-sectional study utilizing secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) regarding reported TB cases in Brazil, among individuals aged 60 years or older. The covariates associated with the outcome of interest (p≤0.20) were included in a multinomial logistic regression model using the cure category as the reference. Results Older adults self-identified as black or mixed-race, experiencing homelessness, with mental health disorders, living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and engaging in the use of licit and illicit drugs had higher odds of loss to follow-up. Furthermore, older adults experiencing homelessness, with mental health disorders, engaging in the use of licit and illicit drugs, and who did not undergo bacilloscopy, presented higher odds of death due to TB. For the outcome of death due to other causes, individuals living with diabetes mellitus and HIV, engaging in the use of licit and illicit drugs, also had higher odds of experiencing this outcome Conclusion The results highlighted the influence of factors on TB treatment outcomes in older adults, encompassing the individual, social, and programmatic axes. Aspects such as advanced age, race, female sex, comorbidities, and homelessness were identified as relevant determinants, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to improve outcomes and promote a favorable treatment outcome for TB in older adults. Resumo Objetivo identificar, dentro dos três eixos de vulnerabilidades (individuais, sociais e programáticas), os fatores associados aos desfechos desfavoráveis do tratamento de tuberculose (TB) entre os idosos no Brasil entre 2015 e 2019. Método trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados secundários provenientes do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação dos casos de TB notificados no Brasil, em pessoas com idade igual ou maior que 60 anos. As co-variáveis associadas com o desfecho de interesse (p≤0,20) foram incluídas em um modelo de regressão logística multinomial utilizando a categoria cura como referência. Resultados idosos autodeclarados pretos e pardos, em situação de rua, com transtorno de saúde mental, que vivem com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), que utilizam drogas líc