Tuberculosis in children under 5 years of age in a low-burden setting: sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics and healthcare utilization over a 10-year period (2010-2021).

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To describe the sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics and healthcare utilization patterns-primary healthcare (PHC) use, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital admissions-of children under 5 years of age born in Portugal between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2021, and diagnosed with TB during the same period.

Methods

This is a quantitative, observational cohort study of 58 children diagnosed with TB and reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) before age 5. Data were obtained through linkage of five population-based databases. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted. Incidence rates of PHC, ED visits, and hospital admissions were calculated per 1000 person-days.

Results

Most TB cases (81.0%)

SUBMITTER: Fronteira I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12764675 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature