Factors associated with the spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Havana, 2015

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The year 2015 constitutes the international time frame of reference to evaluate the actions of the "End tuberculosis" strategy. The elimination of the disease as a health problem requires the identification of populations and territories at greatest risk, and the determinants of their geographical distribution.

Objective: Determine the influence of socio-economic, demographic and geospatial factors on the spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Havana in 2015.

Methods: An ecological study was conducted. The spatial distribution of total TB cases, TB/HIV and TB/inmate cases at the municipality level was described; as well as socio-economic, demographic and geospatial variables with data available from all municipalities in the province. Thematic maps were made for each of the variables. Subsequently, a layer overlap analysis was performed.

Results: A higher concentration of cases was observed in the center-south of the province; mainly in the municipalities of Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, Diez de Octubre and Boyeros ; with the exception of the latter, these municipalities are the most densely populated, those with the highest land occupation and the most unfavorable living conditions.

Conclusions: The spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Havana is closely related to the behavior of socio-economic, demographic and geospatial variables in its different municipalities. These variables should be taken into account in health interventions aimed at eliminating the disease in the province.