Training Future Scientists for Tuberculosis Elimination in São Paulo: Contributions to Epidemiology and Digital Health under the EPIDOT-TB Project (FAPESP).

• Grant number: 25/13721-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Public Health Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio
• Grantee: Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/08510-7 - Interaction and effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuberculosis control in the State of São Paulo: political-social, clinical-epidemiological aspects and innovative practices, AP.TEM

Abstract

This plan integrates two complementary undergraduate research proposals aimed at training the fellow in analytical and evaluative methods applied to tuberculosis (TB) in the state of São Paulo. The first proposal focuses on developing skills in epidemiological and geospatial analysis to investigate how social determinants of health and access to services influence the spatiotemporal distribution and outcomes of TB in vulnerable populations. Statistical and geostatistical techniques will be applied to secondary databases, such as SINAN and the Coronavirus Panel, for time series analysis, spatial autocorrelation, and cluster identification. The second proposal aims to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of video-observed therapy (VDOT) as a telemonitoring strategy in TB care. The fellow will be involved in field data collection, organization of databases using REDCap®, and comparative analyses between VDOT, self-administered therapy, and conventional directly observed therapy (DOT). Activities will be carried out in municipalities with a high TB burden and low DOT coverage. By integrating these two approaches, the plan seeks to provide comprehensive scientific training, combining theoretical and practical foundations in health surveillance, spatial analysis, and evaluation of innovative technologies, contributing to the production of evidence to inform more effective and equitable public health policies for TB control. (AU)