MULTIPROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN THE CONTROL OF TUBERCULOSIS IN THE COMMUNITY OF BEBERIBE CITY OF RECIFE BRAZIL

Introduction/ Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease endemic in Brazil (Population 206 Million in 2014) with 81.512 of confirmed cases in 2014. Most of contaminated persons are asymptomatic (latent TB infection), remaining focus of contamination. Lack of hygiene, malnourishment, smoking and alcoholism are predisposing factors. The objective of this work is to assess the relevance for the medical student to acquire multidisciplinary experience in a family health unit (FHU) supporting TB control. Methodology: Medical, nursing, odontology, biology and physical education (PE) students were divided in mixed groups and sent to a FHU in the low income community of Beberibe (8.856 inhabitants) city of Recife Brazil. The students followed up activities of different health professionals in their routine FHU home visits of TB patients. An assessment of the different health actions and how they contributed for the control of the disease was performed. Conclusion / Results PE students focused at schools in order to notify suspected cases. Biologist students helped surveillance coordination of the community and environmental health agents (CHA/EHA). Nursing and medical students supported triage, diagnosis and treatment. TB educational actions were of primordial importance for all. Precarious social conditions, proximity of the houses, closed and without proper aeration rooms, allied to a high population density, expedited the dissemination of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Lack of disease awareness and long-term treatment are contributing factors to the lack of treatment compliance. Therefore the importance of the synergic work of the multidisciplinary agents in the community to achieve the best TB control results.