Incidence of tuberculosis in the city of Cordoba and its relationship with areas in need of social transformation: a study from 2015 to 2021

Objectives: In 2022, about 17% of Andalusian population lived in disadvantaged areas, which accounted for 21% of tuberculosis (TB) cases. This concentration of cases resulted in TB rates in these areas being higher than both the regional and national averages. The aim of the present study was to understand the behaviour of TB in terms of person, time, and place in the city of Cordoba during the period 2015–2021 and its association with areas in need of social transformation (ANST). Methods: A retrospective observational analytical study was conducted on cases reported to the Andalusian Epidemiological Surveillance System (Spanish acronym SVEA). Membership in ANST was determined by the SVEA. Results: A total of 136 cases were reported, with 26.5% in ANST. The incidence rate (IR) in the city was 5.97 cases per 100,000 population per year, higher in ANST (11.82) compared to non-ANST (5.06), RR = 2.34 (95% CI: 1.60–3.42). In 2020, fewer cases were reported (IR: 3.99). The mean age was 44.82 years, lower in ANST (38.08) than in non-ANST (47.25), with a p-value < 0.05. Hospitalizations were more frequent in ANST (78% vs. 68%, p = 0.3). In ANST, the IR was highest in men over 60 years old and lowest in women of the same age. No significant difference was found between the groups regarding risk factors, except for HIV status (p = 0.02). Conclusions: TB incidence rates in Andalusia vary by area of residence. To make better public health decisions, it is crucial to enhance the collection of socio-demographic and clinical data related to these cases.