AUTOCORRELAÇÃO ESPACIAL DOS CASOS DE TUBERCULOSE INFANTIL NO ESTADO MAIS POPULOSO DO BRASIL (2012-2023)

Objective: To analyze the spatial autocorrelation of reported childhood tuberculosis cases from 2012 to 2023 in the 645 municipalities of São Paulo. Methodology: This ecological, descriptive study utilized notifications of childhood tuberculosis diagnoses for children aged 0 to 14, residing in São Paulo state, sourced from the Information and Informatics Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). The spatial autocorrelation hypothesis was tested using Global and Local Moran's Index based on incidence coefficients over four-year periods: P1 (2012-2015), P2 (2016-2019), and P3 (2020-2023). Results: A total of 6,362 childhood tuberculosis cases were reported, predominantly among females, with heterogeneous distribution. In P1, 59 clusters (27 high-high); P2, 51 clusters (16 high-high); P3, 59 clusters (16 high-high) were identified. Across all periods, five municipalities consistently formed high-risk clusters: Itanhaém, Guarujá, Mongaguá, Santos, and São Vicente. Conclusion: Spatial autocorrelation of childhood tuberculosis notifications was confirmed in São Paulo municipalities, highlighting regional disparities and identifying critical areas for tackling tuberculosis in both children and adults.