EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PREGNANT WOMEN AFFECTED BY TUBERCULOSIS IN THE STATE OF PARAÍBA, BRAZIL, BETWEEN 2018 AND 2023

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of affecting other structures and organs such as the kidneys, meninges, bones, among others. This infection typically has a greater impact on immunocompromised individuals and those with congenital infection. Despite the importance of epidemiological surveillance of TB, there is a need for research on this topic in pregnant women. Objective: Therefore, this study aimed to outline the epidemiological profile of pregnant women affected by tuberculosis in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, between 2018 and 2023. Methodology: This was a quantitative, descriptive epidemiological study that utilized secondary data from the SINAN and DATASUS databases. The variables analyzed included age group, year, ethnicity, education level, and clinical forms of TB. Data were presented using simple descriptive statistics. Results: It was observed that from 2018 to 2023, there were 48 confirmed cases of TB in pregnant women, with the year 2023 showing the highest prevalence of cases (23%). The epidemiological profile predominantly consisted of women aged 18 to 39 years (69.0%) and of mixed race (73.0%). The most common clinical form was pulmonary TB, accounting for 83% of cases. Conclusions: Based on the findings, there is a highlighted importance for the development of local public policies for the prevention and screening of TB in pregnant women.