Strategies For the Control of Tuberculosis in Bolivian Penitentiary Centres
Rebeca Ledezma*, Ruth Ramos, Amilcar Apaza, Igberto J Tordoya-Titichoca and Miguel Zambrana
ABSTRACT
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, with incarcerated populations experiencing higher incidence due to overcrowding, poor living conditions, and limited healthcare access. This studyevaluates the implementation of TB control strategies in Bolivian prisons from 2000 to 2024, emphasizing the role of nutritional interventions in treatment outcomes.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of progressive tuberculosis control strategies in Bolivian prisons and analyze the impact of nutritional strategies on treatment outcomes.
Methods: A descriptive retro-prospective cohort study was conducted, evaluating the tuberculosis control strategies implemented in Bolivian prisons from 2000 to 2024. Data were collected through interviews with program officials, institutional records, and databases, with an emphasis on tuberculosis case incidence, treatment outcomes, and the effects of nutritional supplementation on patients' health.
Results: Between 2012 and 2018, the incidence of tuberculosis cases increased, though treatment success rates remained stable. The introduction of nutritional supplements and food rations between 2019 and 2023 demonstrated improvements in patients’ body weight and body mass index, which correlated with higher treatment success rates. However, despite these improvements, cases of treatment failure and death persisted, indicating the complexity of tuberculosis treatment in the prison setting.
Conclusions: The gradual implementation of tuberculosis control strategies in Bolivian prisons has led to improvements in case detection and nutritional status. However, the increase in tuberculosis incidence and the challenges of ensuring treatment continuity underscore the need for further efforts in managing comorbidities, improving follow-up for released inmates, and enhancing adherence to treatment protocols.
