General Brazilian Population Research Articles

The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire: validity evidence from the Brazilian version

The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire is a self-report questionnaire designed to screen disorders of the mother-infant relationship, which has been adapted to several countries. The aim of this study was to investigate validity evidence of the Brazilian version of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ-Br) based on its internal structure (dimensionality, reliability, and measurement invariance between mothers with and without depressive symptoms) and on relations to other variables (depression). The present study is part of the Ribeirão Preto and São Luís Brazilian Cohort Studies, encompassing data collected from February 2011 to September 2013. Data were available for 2207 mothers from the general population of Ribeirão Preto and São Luís cities, who were assessed using the PBQ and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Regarding internal structure, the results of confirmatory factor analyses did not support the original four-factor model, nor the alternative structures tested. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a one-factor model with eight items for the collected data, accounting for 38.7% of the total variance with good internal consistency (α = 0.83). Concerning validity evidence based on relations to other variables, the mean PBQ-Br score for mothers with depressive symptoms was significantly higher than for mothers with no depressive symptoms. In conclusion, we found good validity evidence and the PBQ-Br proved to be a useful tool for assessing the mother-infant relationship in the Brazilian general population rather than for its original purpose, i.e., assessing bonding disorders. The results also highlight the importance of developing cross-cultural studies in order to provide useful measures for specific populations.

Changes in lifestyle during the COVID-19 lockdown in Brazil: Impact on sleep quality

This study examined the influence of lifestyle changes made during the COVID -19 lockdown on sleep quality in a Brazilian population. We conducted an online cross-sectional study with 589 Brazilians that completed an online questionnaire about sociodemographic variables (age/status/cohabitation/education), general habits (exercise/work), and sleep quality (Mini Sleep Questionnaire). Poisson regression (log-linear) was used to examine sleep quality risk factors. 41.93% of the population reported impaired sleep quality during lockdown. Increased alcohol consumption, worsened diet quality, and use of bed for work during lockdown were risk factors for worsening sleep quality. Increased or beginning physical activity during lockdown was protective against poor sleep quality, as was male sex. Our results suggest that habit change during COVID -19 affected sleep quality in a general Brazilian population. However, it is important to be aware of whether these positive/negative habits acquired during the interdiction persist after the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccination, incidence, and mortality rates among indigenous populations compared to the general population in Brazil: Describing trends over time

BackgroundChronic social and health inequities faced by indigenous peoples in Brazil foretell the detrimental impact of COVID-19.MethodsWe use de-identified, publicly available data from the Ministry of Health from March/2020 - December/2021 to describe vaccination coverage, cumulative incidence, and cumulative mortality rates due to COVID-19 among indigenous peoples. We also compare vaccination coverage among indigenous peoples with that reported for older adults, who were simultaneously included as a priority group in the vaccination strategy. Finally, we compared COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates in the indigenous population with that reported for the general Brazilian population.FindingsWe found important heterogeneities in vaccination coverage across the 34 indigenous districts, and a lower overall coverage among indigenous peoples compared to older adults. We observed higher COVID-19 cumulative incidence rates among indigenous populations compared to the general Brazilian population. Although mortality rates were seemingly lower, data should be interpreted with caution due to a younger age structure and more frequent underreporting of cases and deaths among indigenous populations. After the beginning of COVID-19 vaccination program, we observed a decrease in both incidence and mortality rates among indigenous peoples in all Brazilian regions.InterpretationThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a heavy toll on vulnerable populations. Although social and geographic isolation challenges the implementation of any vaccination program for indigenous populations, prior experience suggests that the COVID-19 vaccination strategy lacked effectiveness. The absence of a coordinated strategy to reinforce the importance of the vaccine and other prevention methods, to guarantee the access to trustworthy information, and to respond with the necessary resources in extreme situations, resulted in lower COVID-19 vaccination coverage, higher incidence rates, and preventable deaths due to COVID-19 among indigenous peoples in Brazil.FundingThis work was not supported by specific funding.

Frequency of leisure-time physical activity and pulse pressure in the Brazilian population: a population-based study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the frequency of leisure-time physical activity and brachial pulse pressure (PP), according to physical activity intensity and type, sex, and age, in the general Brazilian population. Study designThis was a cross-sectional study based on data from the Brazilian 2013 National Health Survey. MethodsThe sample consisted of 20,058 men and 20,600 women aged between 18 and 65 years. The frequency of leisure-time physical activity was obtained through a questionnaire and classified according to intensity (vigorous or moderate) and type (cyclic or acyclic). We calculated PP as the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures based on the measure of a digital pressure device. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to analyze the association of different sexes, frequency, type, and intensity of leisure-time physical activity and PP. ResultsAdjusted results showed that one session of moderate physical activity per week could benefit men's PP: β = −1.87 mmHg; SE = 0.83. For women, the adjusted model reveals that physical activity undertaken twice a week is sufficient to benefit PP: β = −1.77 mmHg; SE = 0.72. However, according to type, two times a week of acyclic activities increased PP in men: β = 2.62 mmHg; SE = 0.62 and decreased in women: β = −2.67 mmHg; SE = 0.72. ConclusionsOur results suggest that low frequencies of leisure-time physical activity are sufficient to induce beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system for both sexes. Also, there are some differences between sexes in cardiac adaptations according to type, frequency, and intensity of physical activity.

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy.

Background and PurposePsychiatric comorbidities (PC) occur more frequently in patients with epilepsy than in the general population. To determine the main PC associated with epilepsy and its association with demographic data and clinical features of epilepsy.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out on patients with epilepsy at the Medical Specialties Center of the Municipal Health Department. Demographic data, crisis onset, time range of seizures evolution, type of epileptic seizures, types of epilepsy, etiology, brain injury, topographic location, hemispheric location, type of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), use of monotherapy or polytherapy, control of epileptic seizures and the PC were recorded.ResultsOne hundred forty adult patients were studied 51.4% male, mean age 44.9 years, time of evolution of the crises was 14 years, focal crisis 88.6%, mesial temporal sclerosis 42%, controlled 92.4%, monotherapy 66.1%, and the most used AEDs were carbamazepine (33.1%), valproic acid (28.2%), and phenobarbital (10.4%). The PC present in 67.1% of the patients was depression (22.8%), anxiety disorder (AD) (17.8%), psychosis (10%), dementia (9.2%) and bipolar affective disorder (BAD) (8.5%). The relationship between PC and crisis control was significant (p<0.009).ConclusionsSchooling was lower than that reported in the general population in Brazil, and we found a low rate of unemployment or retirement. Epilepsy is associated with PC, the most frequent being depression, AD, psychosis, dementia and BAD. The absence of a relationship between depression and brain damage; anxiety disorder with education, types of epilepsy and etiology; psychosis with sex and time of epilepsy evolution were significant.

Polygenic risk score for hypercholesterolemia in a Brazilian familial hypercholesterolemia cohort

Background and aimsFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by high levels of LDL-C leading to premature cardiovascular disease (CAD). Only about 40% of individuals with a clinical diagnosis of FH have a causative genetic variant identified, and a proportion of genetically negative cases may have a polygenic cause rather than a still unidentified monogenic cause. This work aims to evaluate and validate the role of a polygenic risk score (PRS) associated with hypercholesterolemia in a Brazilian FH cohort and its clinical implications. MethodsWe analyzed a previously derived PRS of 12 and 6 SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) in 684 FH individuals (491 mutation-negative [FH/M−], 193 mutation-positive [FH/M+]) and in 1605 controls. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was also evaluated. ResultsThe PRS was independently associated with LDL-C in control individuals (p < 0.001). Within this group, in individuals in the highest quartile of the 12 SNPs PRS, the odds ratio for CAC score >100 was 1.7 (95% CI: 1.01–2.88, p = 0.04) after adjustment for age and sex. Subjects in the FH/M− group had the highest mean score in both 12 and 6 SNPs PRS (38.25 and 27.82, respectively) when compared to the other two groups (p = 2.2 × 10-16). Both scores were also higher in the FH/M+ group (36.48 and 26.26, respectively) when compared to the control group (p < 0.001 for the two scores) but inferior to the FH/M− group. Within FH individuals, the presence of a higher PRS score was not associated with LDL-C levels or with CAD risk. ConclusionA higher PRS is associated with significantly higher levels of LDL-C and it is independently associated with higher CAC in the Brazilian general population. A polygenic cause can explain a fraction of FH/M− individuals but does not appear to be a modulator of the clinical phenotype among FH individuals, regardless of mutation status.

Tendências da mortalidade em decorrência de traumas de trânsito no Brasil e nas unidades federativas entre os anos de 1997 e 2015 na população masculina

Abstract Background Traffic accidents are one of the main causes of death in Brazil and the increase in the mortality rate is concerning. Objective The study aims to perform a temporal analysis of mortality trends related to traffic accidents in Brazil and its states. Method This is an ecological study of time series of mortality from traffic accidents in Brazil and its Federative Units. Data was obtained from the Information System for Mortality (SIM), processed by Datasus and classified under the headings V01 to V89 (CID-10). Specific mortality rates were calculated and adjusted by age. The temporal tendency analysis was run on the Joinpoint Regression Program. Results The Brazilian male population showed no change in the average annual percentage for the mortality rate (-0.8%; CI 95% -1.7;0.1). Ten states showed increased mortality rates; nine presented a decline, and eight remained constant throughout the period. Conclusion The male population showed no change in the rates, but the mortality rate for the general Brazilian population decreased by 1% per year from 1997 to 2015. Both general and male populations had a decrease of 4.6% and 4.9% per year during the last years, respectively (2012-2015).

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adults in the last 10\xa0years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundA cluster of interconnected cardiometabolic risk factors characterizes metabolic Syndrome (MS). The prevalence of MS is increasing worldwide, but there is not a meta-analysis of this prevalence in the Brazilian population. We aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adult general population in Brazil through a meta‑analysis study.MethodsOriginal research studies were searched at PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases, from 2011 to 2021. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute tool to assess the quality of included studies. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of MS. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were conducted for explored heterogeneity and used the Funnel Plot and Egger’s test to assess publication bias. The study was performed based on the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).ResultsThe search in electronic databases identified 1598 records. From this total, 26 studies were eligible to be included in the final analysis. The overall pooled prevalence among the general population of Brazil was 33% with high heterogeneity observed. By gender, the prevalences were 26% in males and 38% in females. By criteria that was used to define MS, the prevalence were 31% in NCEP ATP III, 25% in JIS, 37% in IDF/NHLBI/AHA/WHF/IAS/IASO and 33% in IDF criteria. The prevalence in different habitat was 34% in urban, 15% in rural, 28% in quilombola and 37% in indigenous. In different regions was 37% in the South, 30% in Southeast, 38% in North, 31% in Northeast and 39% in Midwest. The pooled prevalence of MS with age was < 45 years: 43% and ≥ 45 years: 42% and the prevalence based on year of study implementation was 31% in 2015–2019, 35% in 2010–2014 and 28% in 2005–2009. There were no statistically significant differences between subgroups. Most of the studies showed high quality assessment criteria’s except adequate sample size criteria and many studies participants were not sampled in an appropriate way.ConclusionsOur review indicates a high prevalence of MS in the healthy Brazilian adult population, when compared to others countries and with a world estimate.

On the training of Brazilian homeopaths.

Although the credibility of homeopathy is raising among the Brazilian general population and government and academic institutions, the training of homeopaths disagrees with the exigences presented by clinical practice. This article discusses a proposal to reformulate the pedagogical practice, centered on the student as the builder of knowledge. The training basic block would be the small group, composed by students and a tutor; all activities would be performed in the concrete practice situation. The full process would unfold in three stages: 1) deconstruction of previous knowledge and establishment of new notions; 2) deepening into the homeopathic specific features; 3) discussion of homeopathy philosophical and epistemological issues, as well as its conection to related areas.

Breastfeeding Rates and Related Factors at 1 Year Postpartum in Women With Gestational Diabetes Initially Recruited for a Diabetes Prevention Program

ObjectivesOur aim in this study was to evaluate breastfeeding up to 1 year postpartum and factors related to weaning in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MethodsWe assembled a cohort study of women with GDM enrolled in prenatal clinics of the Brazilian National Health System as possible candidates for the Lifestyle Intervention for Diabetes Prevention After Pregnancy (LINDA-Brasil) postpartum trial (N=2,220). Sociodemographics and clinical and nutritional information, including breastfeeding, were obtained by interview or chart review. Follow-up by telephone was done at specific intervals during the first year postpartum. ResultsThe probability of breastfeeding at 1 year postpartum, estimated from Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, was 53.5%. Cox regression models showed increased risk of weaning for those introducing milk or formula before 6 months (hazard ratio [HR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.10 to 3.09); reporting problems in breastfeeding (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.82); being Caucasian (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.76); smoking during pregnancy (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.20); and living in 2 southern cities of Brazil (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16; and HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.58). ConclusionsAbout half of the women with GDM ceased breastfeeding before 1 year postpartum, a rate matching that of the general population in Brazil. The main risk factor was not exclusively breastfeeding up to 6 months. Given the possibility of curbing diabetes risk by maintaining longer breastfeeding, further promotion of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months for these high-risk women is much needed.

Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-1/2 Infection in Central Brazil Prisons: A Multicenter Study.

Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection is endemic in some group populations. Prisoners are at high risk of acquiring HTLV infection mainly due to the environment of closed penal institutions, socioeconomic conditions, and risk behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, the occurrence of new cases of HTLV infection after a 1-year follow-up, and circulating subtypes of HTLV-1 among prisoners from twelve closed prisons in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Central Brazil. A total of 1,507 prisoners were randomly enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Out of the 1,507 participants, 1,000 prisoners, susceptible to HTLV infection, were included in the prospective cohort study. In the cross-sectional study, serological evidence of HTLV infection was 0.4% (CI 95%: 0.1-0.7), tested for anti-HTLV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three samples were positive for HTLV-1, two samples were positive for HTLV-2, and 1 sample was indeterminate by the Western blot method. The presence of HTLV proviral DNA was detected in all positive samples by amplification of the HTLV tax gene through nested-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HTLV-1 samples belonged to the Cosmopolitan subtype Transcontinental subgroup. From a cohort of 1,000 individuals, no new case of HTLV infection was detected. Although the prevalence rate of HTLV infection found in this study was similar to that observed in the Brazilian general population, the lack of access to preventive interventions and harm reduction measures all contribute to increasing the risk of HTLV transmission and acquisition among this key and vulnerable population.

Sleep quality in the Brazilian general population: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess sleep quality and the independent predictors of poor sleep quality in the Brazilian population. MethodsAn online survey was conducted in adults from all five Brazilian regions. Participants answered a structured questionnaire including variables such as sex, age, geographic region, state, socioeconomic class, education level, the existence of a partner/roommate, self-reported insomnia, and smart phone/interactive media use. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. A logistic regression model was built to assess potential independent predictors of poor sleep quality (PSQI >5). ResultsA total of 2,635 adult individuals were included in the study (median age: 35 years, 54.1% females). Median PSQI score was 7.0 (IQR: 4.0; 65.5% of poor sleepers). Multivariate model showed that females (OR: 1.079; 95% CI: 1.041-1.119); age <55 years (OR: 1.107; 95% CI: 1.031–1.189); having a partner/roommate sleeping in another bed (OR: 1.086; 95% CI: 1.005–1.172) and in another room (OR: 1.137; 95% CI: 1.046–1.235); self-reported insomnia (OR: 1.410; 95% CI: 1.357–1.465); living in Midwest (OR: 1.125; 95% CI: 1.005-1.259), South (OR: 1.121; 95% CI: 1.015-1.239) and Southeast (OR: 1.125; 95% CI: 1.025-1.236) regions, compared to North; and smart phone/interactive media use (OR: 1.129; 95% CI: 1.088-1.171) were predictors of poor sleep quality. ConclusionPoor sleep quality is prevalent among the Brazilian population. Being younger, female, having a partner sleeping in another bed or room, self-reported insomnia, and smart phone/interactive media use were predictors of poor sleep quality.

Brazilian registry for the elimination of hepatitis C in dialysis units: a call to action for Nephrology.

Infection by the hepatitis C virus is more prevalent in patients on dialysis than in the general population in Brazil, and has been associated with worse outcomes. Current therapy for hepatitis C is highly effective, safe, and widely available in Brazil, with coverage provided to dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease, which makes the elimination of hepatitis C a viable target. The Brazilian Society of Nephrology, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology, and the Brazilian Liver Institute developed the “Brazilian Registry for the Elimination of Hepatitis C in Dialysis Units”. This project aims to identify, treat, and monitor the response to treatment of patients on chronic dialysis infected with the hepatitis C virus in Brazil. This article presents the issue and invites Brazilian nephrologists to rally around the achievement of a significant goal.

Inequities in Vaccination and Mortality Rates Among Indigenous Populations Compared to the General Population in Brazil: A Time Series Analysis

Inequities in Vaccination and Mortality Rates Among Indigenous Populations Compared to the General Population in Brazil: A Time Series Analysis

Temporal Stability of Dissociative Symptoms in the General Population.

The most widely used measure to quantify dissociative symptoms is the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). However, little information is available concerning its temporal stability. The purpose of this study was to assess the stability of DES scores after 4 years. A total of 316 respondents recruited from a general population in Brazil took part in baseline and follow-up (70.57% were men; mean age = 32.97, SD = 10.95, minimum = 22, maximum = 74). Temporal stability was assessed through test-retest correlations and mean-level stability analyses. We found that the DES total and subscale scores revealed moderate test-retest correlations, with small variations among the DES factors. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between average scores for times 1 and 2. Overall, DES scores are significantly stable over time. Future studies would benefit from an investigation of the correlates and predictors of dissociation at different time points.

Chronic noncommunicable diseases and their associated factors in community health workers.

To analyze the epidemiological profile of chronic noncommunicable diseases among community health workers and associated factors. Cross-sectional study of community health workers in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected through a questionnaire designed to characterize demographic and socioeconomic profile, employment profile, self-reported presence of chronic noncommunicable diseases, and lifestyle habits. The variables were compared between participants with and those without chronic noncommunicable diseases, with Pearsons chi-square test used to define statistically significant differences between them. 674 community health workers participated in the study, 43.32% of whom self-reported the presence of at least one chronic noncommunicable disease; chronic respiratory diseases and hypertension were the most prevalent, especially in the age group > 34 years, those with > 10 years' experience as community health workers, overweight or obese participants, sedentary participants, and those employed as a civil servant or service provider. Our results show that community health workers have a prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases and risk factors thereof similar to that found in the general Brazilian population.

Lifestyle predictors of depression and anxiety during COVID-19: a machine learning approach.

Recent research has suggested an increase in the global prevalence of psychiatric symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess whether lifestyle behaviors can predict the presence of depression and anxiety in the Brazilian general population, using a model developed in Spain. A web survey was conducted during April-May 2020, which included the Short Multidimensional Inventory Lifestyle Evaluation (SMILE) scale, assessing lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression and anxiety were examined using the PHQ-2 and the GAD-7, respectively. Elastic net, random forest, and gradient tree boosting were used to develop predictive models. Each technique used a subset of the Spanish sample to train the models, which were then tested internally (vs. the remainder of the Spanish sample) and externally (vs. the full Brazilian sample), evaluating their effectiveness. The study sample included 22,562 individuals (19,069 from Brazil, and 3,493 from Spain). The models developed performed similarly and were equally effective in predicting depression and anxiety in both tests, with internal test AUC-ROC values of 0.85 (depression) and 0.86 (anxiety), and external test AUC-ROC values of 0.85 (depression) and 0.84 (anxiety). Meaning of life was the strongest predictor of depression, while sleep quality was the strongest predictor of anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic. Specific lifestyle behaviors during the early COVID-19 epidemic successfully predicted the presence of depression and anxiety in a large Brazilian sample using machine learning models developed on a Spanish sample. Targeted interventions focused on promoting healthier lifestyles are encouraged.

Prevalência e fatores de risco para lipedema no Brasil

BackgroundLipedema is characterized as an abnormal deposition of fat in the buttocks and legs bilaterally that may be accompanied by swelling, pain, and tenderness. It is still often confused with more frequent conditions such as obesity and lymphedema. The estimated prevalence in Europe varies between 0.06% and 39%.ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of lipedema and identify health factors related to it in the Brazilian population.MethodsAdministration of a previously validated online screening questionnaire to a representative sample of the general population. The questionnaire was distributed and administered to anonymous volunteers representing the general Brazilian population using software designed for population analyses.Results253 women answered the questionnaire, 12.3 ± 4% (Confidence Interval [CI] 95%) of whom presented symptoms compatible with a high probability of being diagnosed with lipedema. Furthermore, anxiety, depression, hypertension, and anemia were also correlated with a high probability of the diagnosis.ConclusionsThe estimated prevalence of lipedema in the population of Brazilian women is 12.3%.

Lipedema prevalence and risk factors in Brazil.

Lipedema is characterized as an abnormal deposition of fat in the buttocks and legs bilaterally that may be accompanied by swelling, pain, and tenderness. It is still often confused with more frequent conditions such as obesity and lymphedema. The estimated prevalence in Europe varies between 0.06% and 39%. To evaluate the prevalence of lipedema and identify health factors related to it in the Brazilian population. Administration of a previously validated online screening questionnaire to a representative sample of the general population. The questionnaire was distributed and administered to anonymous volunteers representing the general Brazilian population using software designed for population analyses. 253 women answered the questionnaire, 12.3 ± 4% (Confidence Interval [CI] 95%) of whom presented symptoms compatible with a high probability of being diagnosed with lipedema. Furthermore, anxiety, depression, hypertension, and anemia were also correlated with a high probability of the diagnosis. The estimated prevalence of lipedema in the population of Brazilian women is 12.3%.

High prevalence of latent tuberculosis using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test in Takayasu arteritis.

This study aims to investigate latent tuberculosis using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus method in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA). This case-control study included 22 patients with TA (3 males, 19 females; median age: 36.5 years; IQR, 32 to 50 years), 22 healthy individuals (3 males, 19 females; median age: 38.5 years; IQR, 32.5 to 50 years), and 66 patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases (DCTDs) (4 males, 62 females; median age: 41 years; IQR, 29.8 to 54 years). Two control groups were formed: (i) age- and sex-matched healthy individuals and (ii) patients with other DCTDs. Epidemiological data were collected, and the QFT-Plus test was performed. The QFT-plus positivity was compared among the groups. A higher prevalence of QFT-Plus positive cases was observed in the TA group (8/22) than in the healthy control group (1/22) (p=0.020) or in the group with other DCTDs (3/66) (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the past pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence between the TA and DCTD groups (p=0.013). The prevalence of latent tuberculosis in TA patients (36.4%) was higher than that in both control groups and higher than the prevalence of latent tuberculosis among the general Brazilian population. Although a positive association was found, it is not possible to establish a direct cause-effect relationship. Given the increasing use of anti-cytokine therapies in TA, it is necessary to thoroughly screen patients with TA before initiating immunosuppressive therapy to avoid tuberculosis reactivation.