Tuberculosis-related mortality in people over 50 years old in the department of Caldas, 2010-2017

Mortalidad relacionada con tuberculosis en mayores de 50 años en el departamento de Caldas (Colombia) 2010 a 2017 Tuberculosis-related mortality in people over 50 years old in the department of Caldas (Colombia), 2010-2017

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a relevant global public health problem. Previously the difference in the profiles of the cases of death from TB has been proposed, both as a basic and as an associated cause, especially related to age.

Objectives:To describe the characteristics of patients over 50 years old, who died due to TB in Caldas between the years 2010 and 2017, to and compare two groups: 50-69 years and 70+ years.

Methods:This was a descriptive study of deaths by TB reported in the National Public Health Surveillance System (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, SIVIGILA) database. A bivariate analysis was carried out.

Results: In total,119 deaths, 61% males, were identified, of which 79 (66%) were directly caused by TB, while TB sequalae, such as respiratory chronic disease, and HIV were associated causes. No statistical differences were found between the groups regarding cause of death. However, differences between the groups were found: for the younger group they were male, single, farmers with fewer than five years of education, while in the older group they were female, housekeepers, married, and had low education levels.

Conclusion:Mortality by TB shows differences with aging, decreasing the HIV/AIDS association, and increasing TB reactivation and sequelae, in addition to other chronic conditions that work as basic causes of death or as pathological history in older groups.