SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF TUBERCULOSIS IN THE STATE OF MARANHÃO-BRAZIL, 2011-2023

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious global public health problem. This study aims to map the spatial distribution of TB cases in Maranhão, identifying areas with the highest concentration of cases. This is an ecological study using TB data reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) in Maranhão between 2011 and 2023. Exploratory spatial analysis was conducted to determine the dynamics of TB. Case density was classified using the Kernel Density Estimator, with geocoding of the residential addresses of cases using Google Earth Pro. A total of 18,668 TB cases were reported in Maranhão. The spatial analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of cases, with significant concentrations in the North and East regions of the state, especially in the municipalities of São José do Ribamar and São Luís. Most cases were registered in the areas covered by the Regional Health Units (RHU) of the North, West, and East districts, with the South region presenting a lower density of cases. The identification of hotspots in the northern and eastern regions of Maranhão should guide the allocation of resources and the development of more effective control programs. The findings provide a solid basis for future research and public health actions to combat TB.