Catastrophic costs and social sequels due to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Brazil*

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of catastrophic costs on unfavorable tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, conducted in five Brazilian state capitals (Manaus, Recife, Vitória, Campo Grande and Porto Alegre) from June 2016 to July 2018. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Of the 350 participants, 310 were included, of whom 30 presented unfavorable outcomes. Catastrophic cost (OR=2.53-95% CI 1.13;5.67) and divorce (OR=5.29-95% CI 1.39;20.05) increased the chances of unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion: Financial difficulties during tuberculosis treatment may impair its outcome. Catastrophic cost and divorce were determining factors for treatment outcomes.